If Western Power is confirmed as being responsible the company could face a compensation bill of up to $20 million. Preliminary investigations by the police arson squad are believed to have found that the fire started under major powerlines in a paddock 5km north of the town.

The evidence appeared to be supported by the Office of Energy, the watchdog which oversees Western Power, which said there had been a fire on top of the three-phase power pole. The subsequent blaze burnt 15,000ha of farmland and bush and killed local women Judith Ward, 59, and Lorraine Melia, 46.

Locals have constantly complained to Western Power about power outages and faulty lines in the area the fire started and a repair crew was working on the pole on the day of the fire when temperatures reached 42C and winds were particularly strong.

After a four-month inquiry this year, the Energy Safety Directorate said $48.4 million was needed to upgrade the ailing electricity network to stop constant blackouts in country towns.

Western Power has committed just $4.6 million.