Wildfire in west Australia burns more homes in dry wind

PERTH, Australia (AP) — More than 70 homes have been lost in a wildfire burning in hills outside Australia’s western city of Perth. It is expected to continue burning for days and residents are remaining on high alert. The fire had razed more than 22,200 acres of farm and woodland by early Wednesday. A pandemic lockdown in Perth and its surrounds was lifted for those communities in the fire’s path so people could evacuate. State fire commissioner Darren Klemm said conditions would remain difficult for firefighters with no rain forecast until Sunday.