Perth Bushfire sparks Evacuations, Charges Filed After New Year’s Eve Incident
Table of Contents
A dangerous bushfire ignited by a firecracker on New Year’s Eve continues to threaten lives and homes in the Perth Hills, prompting evacuations and leaving thousands without power. A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with the blaze.
The fire erupted shortly after midnight on January 1st, when, according to police allegations, a 19-year-old resident of Kalamunda threw a firecracker into dry grass on Temby Avenue in the perth Hills, approximately 25 kilometers east of the central business district. The firecracker promptly sparked a bushfire that rapidly intensified, fueled by dry conditions.
Why did the fire start? The fire was allegedly started by a 19-year-old man who threw a firecracker into dry grass on new Year’s Eve.The extremely dry conditions in the Perth Hills contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.
Emergency Warnings and Evacuations
An emergency warning was issued just before 8:30 a.m.local time, urging residents in Maida Vale, Forrestfield, and Kalamunda to evacuate immediately. The blaze had already spread across 25 hectares of land, and authorities warned that lives and properties were in imminent danger.
The warning was later downgraded to a Watch and Act just before 12:30 p.m., indicating that while the immediate threat had lessened, the fire still posed a risk due to changing conditions. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) continues to advise residents in specific areas to remain vigilant.
Specifically,residents within the boundaries of Norwood Road,Taylor Road,Colac Place,Bird road,Alpine Road,Wandoo Road,Holmes Road,Lewis Road,and Anderson Road are urged to stay alert. Those bound by Hawtin Road, Norwood Road, Welshpool Road East, lesmurdie Road, Kalamunda Road, and Canning Road should also remain vigilant. Residents are advised to close doors and windows to prevent smoke inhalation and to watch for spot fires on their properties.
Fortunately, residents in parts of Forrestfield and Maida Vale, specifically those bound by the Roe Highway, Quenington Court, Hawtin Road, and Hartfield Road, are no longer considered to be under immediate threat.
Who was affected? Residents of maida Vale, Forrestfield, and Kalamunda were initially under an emergency warning and ordered to evacuate. Over 2,000 homes experienced power outages. The 19-year-old man charged is also directly affected.
Fire Containment and Power Outages
The bushfire is currently moving slowly in a westerly direction and is described as contained but not controlled. Fire crews, supported by a waterbombing helicopter, have been working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze.
The fire caused widespread power outages, impacting more than 2,000 homes overnight. Western Power reported that power had been restored to almost all affected properties by 9:00 a.m.
What was the extent of the damage? The fire burned across 25 hectares of land. While no significant structural damage has been reported, the fire caused widespread power outages and prompted evacuations.
Community Support and Legal Action
An evacuation center has been established at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, located at 200 Newburn Road, High Wycombe. A community meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. today to provide updates and support to affected residents.
Several roads in the area remain closed, including Temby road, Holmes Road at Wando
