Perth hills bushfire: forecast rains could help contain blaze that has destroyed 86 homes

But before the expected weekend rains, firefighters will have to contend with strong winds whipping up the flames

Conditions are expected to get worse before they get better for the firefighters battling the Perth hills blaze with authorities warning of gusty winds heading into the weekend.

Winds up to 35 km/h are forecast for the region on Friday night into Saturday morning with stronger gusts up to 80 km/h possible. But there are hopes that forecast rain over the rest of the weekend will ease conditions and give weary firefighters a chance to get on top of the 10,000ha-bushfire.