BREAKING: Firefighters are currently battling multiple bushfires in Perth’s eastern suburbs, prompting urgent evacuation orders and significant disruptions at Perth Airport. As of 12:51 PM today, authorities have issued emergency alerts for residents in Kenwick, Wattle Grove, Maddington, and Beckenham, urging them to leave immediately due to the unpredictable nature of the fires.
Despite the downgrading of the threat level to “watch-and-act,” the fires remain uncontained and uncontrolled, with officials warning that conditions could rapidly change. One home along Boundary Road has been reported to have caught fire, while others along Bickley Road and Brook Road face ongoing threats.
The situation has resulted in the closure of the main runway at Perth Airport, causing flight delays. “The main runway (03/21) is currently not in use,” stated a Perth Airport representative. “Flights are now operating from the cross runway (06/24), though several wide-body aircraft are unable to land due to weight restrictions.”
Aerial firefighting crews are engaged as the blaze moves eastward from the Kenwick Wetlands Nature Reserve. Smoke has severely impacted Roe Highway, and residents in the area bounded by Welshpool Road East, Tonkin Highway, Kenwick Road, Brixton Street, and Roe Highway are under an emergency alert.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises fleeing residents to head south towards Albany Highway and to prepare an emergency kit. Those unable to evacuate should shelter in a safe room with running water and a clear exit. An advisory on EmergencyWA warns, “If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.”
Additionally, another fire has flared in Bullsbrook, affecting residents in the City of Swan. Initially labeled as life-threatening, the alert for this fire has been downgraded as conditions have improved. However, the fire, which was also reported at 12:51 PM, continues to move in a northeasterly direction and remains uncontained.
Aerial support is on site, and an evacuation center has been established at Swan Active Beechboro on Benara Road. Roads in the vicinity remain closed, and Walyunga National Park has also been shut down.
This ongoing situation poses a serious threat to lives and homes in the affected areas. Authorities urge everyone in the vicinity to remain vigilant and prepared for rapid changes in fire activity. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
