EnergySafety and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) were presented with what was claimed to be fresh evidence that the bushfires started in a different place from the generally accepted site.

Fire investigator Paul Allardyce handed over two burnt branches he claimed showed evidence of arcing to FESA fire investigators and outlined his theories on how and where the fire started.

The prime mover for the meeting was Toodyay man Laurie Biggs, who lost his home in the blaze.

He was disappointed in the outcome of the meeting.

“The investigators did not think Mr Allardyce presented anything new and were quite dismissive,” he said.

“I don't know what will happen from here.”

Also disappointed were media representatives who were excluded from the meeting in the Toodyay FESA headquarters.

All television channels sent teams to Toodyay as did ABC Radio.

They had been asked to come and were unhappy about being denied entry to the meeting.

Mr Biggs said he believed it was EnergySafety that asked for the media to be excluded.

However an ABC television reporter said she had earlier received a clearance from EnergySafety.

The journalists believed it was Toodyay residents who had excluded them.

However the media were at the fire ground when sections of the meeting moved there for Mr Allardyce to enlarge on his theory.

Toodyay Shire president Councillor Chris Firns repeated his call for a second, independent inquiry.

“It should not be limited to the perceived shortcomings of the EnergySafety report,” he said.

“An inquiry should also investigate the alternative theories that have come forward.”