"Perth Hills bushfire class action claims power pole that started blaze was in a 'deplorable' state", 16 Jul 2018

A power pole was in a "deplorable" condition before it collapsed, sparking a bushfire in the Hills district which destroyed 57 homes in 2014, a Perth court has been told.  A class action involving 189 residents and property owners against Western Power started today in the Supreme Court.  The residents' lawyer, Lachlan Armstrong, QC, told the court the electricity pole was in a "deplorable" condition due to rot and termite damage...The court heard the pole should have been assessed by a specialist inspector...only two days before the massive bushfire.  Mr Armstrong said...the "impact was terrible" with the loss of homes, outbuildings and vehicles...[T]he lead plaintiffs...said compensation was not their main motivation for being involved in the class action.  Mr Elwood said he hoped the case would prompt change...The trial is set down for seven weeks...