It has been confirmed a private power pole started the Parkerville fire that destroyed 52 homes.
EnergySafety's investigations found that the fire started following the failure of a private power pole.
Director of Energy Safety Ken Bowron said wiring insulation was damaged as the pole fell.
"The insulation on the consumer wiring leaving the main switchboard that was attached to the pole was damaged as the pole fell," he said.
"This caused a short circuit in the wiring, and the resulting sparks and hot metal ignited the fire."
On rural properties where a homestead is a distance from the road, the power lines that run from the road to the homestead are owned by homeowners, who are also responsible for their maintenance.
There are thousands of power poles on private land throughout Western Australia, some which were installed as far back as the 1950s.
EnergySafety has taken possession of the main switchboard, relevant sections of wiring and the pole involved in sparking the fire.
"These items will be examined in more detail this week, and our investigations are continuing, including consideration of how the pole failed and the suitability of hard wood poles for consumers' private power lines," Mr Bowron said.
He said EnergySafety was coordinating its efforts with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Western Power to gain a clear understanding of how the fire started and what could be done in future to prevent such devastating fires.
"It is clear at this stage that a failed privately owned power pole was involved, without knowing the cause of the failure of the pole," Mr Bowron said.
"It is timely to remind everyone that it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain all electrical equipment they own which is beyond the network operator's point of supply. This includes power poles.
"I extend my sincere sympathy to all those who have suffered damage to property or lost their homes and personal possessions."
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said it could be time to review the responsibilities placed on homeowners to maintain poles on their land.
"It does seem to me that if you've got a recurring causal factor for bushfires then it's time to have a discussion on those issues," he told reporters.
The property the pole fell on belonged to 82-year-old Noreen Campbell, whose family said the pole had been replaced many years ago - but looked fine just weeks ago.
"There was certainly nothing obviously wrong with it," said Ms Campbell's son, Stuart.
He said the family were likely to take legal advice but did not think his mother had done anything wrong.
Residents at Tuesday's community meeting in Swan View expressed their frustration at the situation.
Local man Matt Leverington told Radio 6PR that changes need to be made.
"Private power lines that could cause this much damage, lives and people's houses, aren't inspected, I understand it is the responsibility of the house owner but it should be inspected and said no, this is not up to standards and you need to sort this out or we'll cut power off the line or you'll be fined, there needs to be some sort of consequence," he said.
The threat of private power poles was raised last year following a fire in Chidlow.
With AAP
