Multiple Bushfires Prompt Evacuations Across Perth Region

Multiple bushfires affected areas across the Perth region, Western Australia, leading to emergency warnings and evacuations. Two primary incidents were reported: one in the Perth Hills and Shire of Mundaring area, and another in the suburb of Ellenbrook. While the Perth Hills fire saw its alert levels downgraded and was later contained, the Ellenbrook incident also prompted immediate evacuation advice.

Perth Hills and Mundaring Area Bushfire

A bushfire approximately 35 kilometers east of Perth, in the Perth Hills and Shire of Mundaring, escalated to an emergency level. The fire began around 2:00 PM local time, with initial emergency warnings issued between approximately 2:30 PM and 3:03 PM on a Friday.

Areas Affected and Evacuation Directives

Emergency warnings were issued for several areas, including:

• Boya, Darlington, Greenmount, and Helena Valley: specifically, the area south of Padbury Road, bounded by Coulston Road, Approach Road, Clayton Road, Victor Road, Beenong Road, Darlington Road, and Dalry Road.

  Residents were advised to evacuate immediately if conditions allowed.

For parts of Beechina, Chidlow, and Wooroloo, an emergency zone in Beechina was bounded by Great Eastern Highway, Doconing Road, and Old Northam Road. For parts of Darlington, Helena Valley, and Beechina, residents were advised at different times that it was too late to evacuate and instructed to shelter inside their homes immediately.

Fire Progression and Status

The fire was initially described as uncontained and uncontrolled, moving in both north-easterly and westerly directions across different reports. The blaze affected approximately 27 hectares in some areas and over 70 hectares in others. As of Friday afternoon, firefighters reported the fire was stationary with minimal movement and decreasing intensity, and it was later reported as contained.

Response and Resources

Firefighting efforts included the deployment of multiple aerial water bombers. Approximately 160 personnel and 50 fire appliances from both volunteer and career fire and rescue services were on site, with around 100 firefighters engaged in operations.

Impact and Damage

One derelict home and sheds were reported to have sustained damage in the broader Perth Hills incident. Separately, no property damage was reported within specific areas like Darlington, Boya, and Helena Valley. Approximately 20 properties experienced power loss due to impacted major arterial power lines.

Cause

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) reported that the fire was accidentally sparked by machinery.

Alert Downgrades and Ongoing Advice

The emergency alert for the Perth Hills area, including Beechina, was downgraded to a "watch and act" level before 5:00 PM on Friday. This downgrade applied to parts of Darlington, Boya, and Helena Valley, covering an area defined by Coulston Road, Kookaburra Place, Glen Road, Victor Road, and Clayton Road.

Authorities cautioned that a potential threat to lives and homes persisted, advising residents to continue monitoring conditions. It was not deemed safe for evacuated residents to return due to fallen trees and power lines.

Evacuation Centers and Road Closures

• Evacuation centers were established, including the Brown Park Community Centre. The evacuation center at Mundaring Arena was subsequently closed following the alert downgrade.
• Several roads were closed, including Great Eastern Highway between Carter Road and Doconing Road, and Great Eastern Highway in both directions between Great Southern Highway and Old Northam Road. Clayton Road from Victor Road and Victor Road from Prater Road were also closed.

Safety Guidelines

Residents in affected emergency zones were advised to:

• Identify a suitable shelter room with running water and a clear exit.
• Shelter before the fire reaches them, as extreme heat poses a significant threat.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but maintain water flow through the system if possible.
• Monitor both the interior and exterior of their homes for fires and embers; activate sprinklers if available.
• If conditions inside the home become unbearable, move to an area that has already been burnt.
• Wear strong leather boots for protection in case movement is required.

Ellenbrook Bushfire

A separate bushfire emergency developed in Ellenbrook, a suburb approximately 30 kilometers north-east of Perth, shortly before 3:00 PM local time. The fire originated in a small area of bushland.

Emergency Warning and Evacuation

An emergency warning was issued for residents within the area bounded by The Broadway, Galatea Pass, Farmaner Parkway, and Elmridge Parkway.

People were advised to evacuate in a southerly direction.

Fire Behavior and Conditions

Observations included a cabana engulfed in flames within a home's backyard and significant smoke plumes across a residential area surrounded by over 100 homes. The fire was reported to progress rapidly, with flames exceeding the height of homes, spreading quickly, and jumping roads in an eastward direction. Wind shifts were noted to cause changes in the fire's direction. The temperature in Perth on the day of the incident reached 34 degrees Celsius.

Emergency Response and Impact

Emergency services, including aerial support and fire trucks, were deployed to combat the blaze and protect structures. Unconfirmed reports indicated some homes may have sustained damage.

General Information

Emergency Information Sources

• Official warnings and incident maps are available on the EmergencyWA website.
• For severe weather and floods, the State Emergency Service (SES) can be contacted at 131 500.
• Life-threatening situations require dialing Triple Zero (000).
• Updates on road conditions are available via the Main Roads WA website.
• Power outages can be reported to Western Power or Horizon Power.
• Local updates are accessible through ABC Emergency and ABC Local Radio via the ABC Listen app.

Prior Fire Event

Earlier in January, emergency services responded to a bushfire in a nearby area of Boya, Darlington, and Helena Valley. That incident, which occurred on January 2 and was controlled the following day by 150 crews, resulted in damage to outbuildings and a gazebo. Its cause was investigated as a suspected arson attack, though it remained undetermined.