Key Takeaways
- A bushfire in the Perth Hills has left around 800 homes without power and is threatening lives and homes in suburbs east of Perth Airport.
- An emergency warning has been issued for the blaze, which is believed to have been sparked by a firecracker.
- Around 150 ground crew are battling the fire, with aerial support also being provided.
- A 19-year-old man has been charged with breach of duty over the fire, which is burning in an area between Temby Avenue and Harbour Road in the City of Kalamunda.
- Residents in the affected area are being told to leave immediately if it is safe to do so, with an evacuation centre set up at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre.
Introduction to the Bushfire
The Perth Hills are currently experiencing a severe bushfire, which is thought to have been sparked by a firecracker. The fire was reported at around 12:30am, and an emergency warning has been issued for the area. The warning covers parts of the suburbs of Maida Vale, Kalamunda, and Forrestfield, with residents in the area bounded by Norwood Road, Taylor Road, Colac Place, Bird Road, Alpine Road, Wandoo Road, Holmes Road, Lewis Road, and Anderson Road being told to act immediately to survive.
The Firefighting Efforts
Around 150 ground crew are battling the blaze, amid warm conditions with an expected forecast maximum of 36 degrees. Aerial support has also been sent to help firefighters on the ground, with the fire burning in an area between Temby Avenue and Harbour Road in the City of Kalamunda. The fire is moving slowly in a westerly direction and is not contained or controlled. The City of Kalamunda Mayor, Margaret Thomas, has described the situation as "dire" and has urged residents to heed the warnings and evacuate safely if told to do so.
The Impact of the Fire
The bushfire has left hundreds of homes without power, with Western Power reporting that around 800 homes and businesses had lost power in Kalamunda, Maida Vale, Forrestfield, and surrounds. The power outage is expected to be restored by 9am, but in the meantime, residents are being urged to take precautions and follow their bushfire survival plan. The fire has also razed more than 25 hectares of bushland, with police saying that the bushfire "escalated rapidly".
The Cause of the Fire and Charges
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but arson squad detectives have charged a 19-year-old man with breach of duty after he allegedly threw a firecracker into dry grass, igniting the blaze. The man is due in court later today, and the incident is a reminder of the importance of being careful with fire and following safety precautions, especially during periods of warm and dry weather.
Evacuation and Safety Precautions
Residents in the affected area are being told to leave now in a westerly direction if it is safe to do so, with an evacuation centre set up at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre. More than 40 people are currently sheltering at the centre, and authorities are urging others to heed the warnings and evacuate safely. The evacuation centre is providing a safe place for residents to wait until the fire is brought under control, and it is essential that residents follow the instructions of the authorities and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The bushfire in the Perth Hills is a serious situation, and residents are being urged to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The fire is not contained or controlled, and residents in the affected area are being told to act immediately to survive. The City of Kalamunda Mayor, Margaret Thomas, has described the situation as "dire", and it is essential that residents follow the instructions of the authorities and evacuate safely if told to do so. The incident is a reminder of the importance of being careful with fire and following safety precautions, especially during periods of warm and dry weather. Residents can check the warning information and incident map on the official EmergencyWA website and follow ABC Emergency and listen to ABC Local Radio on the ABC Listen app for updates on the situation.