The WA Government is inviting submissions to an independent review into February’s devastating Wooroloo bushfire which destroyed 86 homes and burned more than 10,000 hectares.

The Perth Hills bushfires caused insurance losses of $91 million, with some 1000 claims received, according to the Insurance Council of Australia, marking the first catastrophe declared this year.

The inquiry will examine the response to the fire, which impacted communities in the City of Swan and the Shire of Mundaring. Submissions from interested parties are open until September 24.

The inquiry will be led by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC), which recently conducted an independent review into Tasmanian bushfires.

The Wooroloo Bushfire started on February 1 while Perth was under a COVID lockdown and spread rapidly towards the west through northern parts of the Perth Hills. It burned for a week amid adverse conditions, destroying 10,750 hectares of bushland, homes, sheds, vehicles and livestock.

WA Arson Squad detectives recently charged a 40-year-old man in relation to the bushfires, alleging he used a mechanical device to remove a padlock on a sea container, igniting the fire.

"This was a devastating event and an independent inquiry will be an important part of our community's healing,” Swan Hills minister Jessica Shaw. "I will be making a submission and I strongly encourage members of the community to consider doing so."

The review will examine the Wooroloo Bushfire response, public warnings, fuel management and processes for access into the fire affected areas, use of heavy earthmoving equipment in the fire suppression effort, interagency coordination, impact assessment processes and an 'Animal Welfare in Emergencies' program.