Teen charged over Kalamunda bushfire
A teenager has been charged after WA Police allege he threw a firecracker that started an out-of-control fire in Kalamunda in the early hours of Thursday morning.
A teenager has been charged after WA Police allege he threw a firecracker that started an out-of-control fire in Kalamunda in the early hours of Thursday morning.
A bushfire has been reported near Kalamunda and Maida Vale.Credit: DFES
Police say the bushfire escalated rapidly and required the assistance of multiple Department of Fire and Emergency Services crews and police resources.
The fire has consumed more than 25 hectares of native bushland and is still burning.
More than 2000 homes in the area have lost power and the Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre.
WA Police allege the 19-year-old male threw a firecracker into dry grass in bushland located on Temby Avenue in Kalamunda which sparked the blaze.
He has been charged with one count of breach of duty and is set to face Perth Magistrate’s Court today.
Emergency services said the bushfire warning advice has been downgraded to a watch-and-act as the fire activity has decreased.
Several roads in the area have been closed, including Harbour Road and Temby Road.
Holmes Road is closed at Wandoo Road, while Norwood Road is closed at Holmes Road and Hawkin Road is closed at Maud Road. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, drive carefully and be aware of emergency services personnel working along roads.
Firefighters are actively fighting the blaze and aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.
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