Australia man dies while defending his home from an intense wildfire

Monday, January 13, 2014, 12:03 PM -

Bush fires in western Australia have destroyed dozens of homes.

Officials say nearly 50 homes near the city of Perth are burned.

A 62-year-old man in the area died Sunday while trying to protect his home from the intense wildfire.

He was believed to be hosing water onto his roof to protect it against embers, state fire service spokesman Allen Gale said Monday.

The fire started in Parkerville Sunday morning, where four people were initially reported as missing after four homes burned down.

The four residents were found and unharmed.

Strong winds and soaring temperatures have heightened the fire risk on the west coast.

Perth's temperature reached 43°C on Saturday, the city's hottest day in six years.

Over 250 firefighters are on the scene.

With files from The Associated Press