engines along with displays of the equipment used to maintain 25 steam locos and the timber production of millers. There is a heritage trail around the old mill town and conservation area. Facilities included a primary school, local shop, bowling club, hotel, post office, community centre and various types of accommodation. A notable issue in the town was alleged emissions from the Alcoa alumina refinery at nearby Wagerup. For years, some residents have reported illnesses such as respiratory irritation, frequent blood noses, headaches, nausea and cancer, as reported in numerous media outlets, including the Four Corners program "Something in the Air", although no formal causal link has ever been established. These claims are also disputed by a large section of the local population. Alcoa subsequently obtained permission (September 2006) to double the size of the refinery to become the biggest such refinery in the world, although very strict conditions have been imposed on the expansion by the Health and Environment departments. A minority of the residents announced plans to fight the decision in the Supreme Court. 2016 bushfire On 7 January 2016, 121 homes were destroyed by a massive bushfire. Over a seven-minute period, the fire also burned the historic timber workshops, factories, an old church, the old hospital, shops, the hotel, fire station and a part of the school. Local politician Murray Cowper, observing soon afterwards that the town now looked "very surreal", said: "This could well be the end of the town." Those visiting the town after the fire described the level of destruction as "apocalyptic". However, Western Australia's Premier Colin Barnett said that the town would be rebuilt, and a majority of residents voted in favour of rebuilding. On 9 January the remains of two men were found in burnt-out houses. Public access to Yarloop was restored on 11 August 2016, seven months after the fire, when roadblocks were removed. Rebuilding A new community centre was built, incorporating the facade of the original town hall, and opened in November 2019. Transport Yarloop is situated on the South Western Railway, and is a stopping place for the Australind passenger train from Perth to Bunbury. References External links Map of Yarloop (Shire of Harvey) Aerial footage of Yarloop on the morning of 8 January 2016 "Reframing Rural Fire Management": Report of the Special Inquiry Into the January 2016 Waroona Fire WA Governmenr-Waroona Fire Special Enquiry. 29 April 2016. Retrieved