Insured losses from the Perth Hills bushfires have reached more than $40 million, with the total expected to rise in coming days as residents return to their properties following evacuations.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) today declared a catastrophe for the fires, which have caused extensive damage to homes, sheds and fences north-east of the city since breaking out on Monday. More than 270 claims have been received.

“The declaration of a catastrophe means claims from these bushfires will be prioritised by insurers, who will be focusing on reducing the immense emotional and financial stress experienced by residents, farmers and businesses,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said.

The catastrophe declaration is the first for this year and the first since the Southeast Queensland hailstorms at the end of October.

The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) reported a further sweep of the Wooroloo fire zone had identified an additional five property destroyed in the blaze, taking the total to 86 from the 81 advised yesterday.

“It shows how devastating this fire has been,” Premier Mark McGowan said today.

The fire, which has burnt more than 10,000 hectares and has a 136 km perimeter, is being battled by more than 300 firefighters. Additional air tankers have also been sent from NSW.

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm says the further property losses added to the total likely occurred early in the fire, when the majority of the damage to homes took place, but the threat to the region remains.

Bushfire emergency warnings remain in place for parts of the Mundaring Shire and the City of Swan as gusts of winds of up to 70 km/h are forecast around the hills.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting rain will move into the region over the weekend.