Ellenbrook Fire: Homes Damaged, Updates & Burn Area

Ellenbrook, Australia, January 29, 2026 –

A volunteer firefighter in Western Australia recounted sheltering in his home Thursday as a bushfire approached, after evacuating his two young children.

• Ellenbrook resident Matt Beilken evacuated his children before a bushfire reached his property.
• Beilken, a volunteer firefighter, was forced to shelter in his home as flames approached.
• A wind change contributed to the fireS rapid approach to his residence, according to Beilken.

A father adn volunteer firefighter in Ellenbrook, Western Australia, was forced to shelter inside his home Thursday as a bushfire rapidly approached, after successfully evacuating his two young children. Matt Beilken recounted the terrifying experience, describing a sudden shift in wind direction that quickly brought the flames to his property.

Beilken managed to get his children to safety at a neighbor’s house before the fire reached his home, at which point he ceased firefighting efforts and sheltered indoors, according to reporting by The West Australian.

Did you know? – Western Australia experiences a meaningful bushfire season annually, typically during the warmer months of summer. preparation and early evacuation are key to safety.

Fire’s Path and Response

Initially, the fire was moving in a northerly direction, Beilken told The West Australian. However, a wind change caused the fire to turn directly toward his house. “Initally it was moving in a sort of northerly direction and then at one stage we had a wind change, and it came straight at my house,” he said.

Once he realized the fire was heading toward his home, Beilken quickly moved his children and their dog to a neighbor’s residence. He then attempted to defend his property, using a hose to wet down the edges of his carport while hoping for a swift shift in conditions.

The bushfire began as a blaze in nearby bushland and quickly spread due to hot, dry conditions and strong winds. Matt Beilken, a local volunteer firefighter, was at home with his two young children when the fire’s direction shifted unexpectedly. He prioritized his children’s safety, evacuating them to a neighbor’s house before attempting to protect his own property. He described being “pretty much straight into defense mode,” using a hose to dampen vulnerable areas of his home.

Pro tip – Having a well-defined bushfire plan, including evacuation routes and a designated safe meeting point, can substantially improve your family’s safety. Practice the plan regularly.

Volunteer Firefighter’s Experience

Beilken, a volunteer firefighter, said his pre-existing bushfire plan likely helped to protect his home, which is located less than 10 meters from bushland. “This is the first time I’ve actually had to defend a house .. .my first time defending a house from a fire was my own house,” he stated.

he had recently returned from fighting the Boddington bushfire the previous weekend, finding himself back in a dangerous situation just days later, according to reporting by The West australian.

as of late Thursday, the fire was contained, and no structures were lost, including Beilken’s home. Fire crews continued to monitor the area for hotspots. The cause of the fire remains under examination. Beilken’s experience highlights the challenges faced by volunteer firefighters and the importance of community preparedness in the face of increasing bushfire risks.

Reader question – What steps do you take to prepare for bushfire season in your area? share your thoughts and experiences.

Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The West Australian and added independent analysis and context.