Perth Teenager Charged After New Year's Eve Bushfire Sparked by Firecracker
A 19-year-old man from Kalamunda was charged with breach of duty after allegedly throwing a firecracker into dry grass just after midnight on New Year's Eve, which ignited a bushfire east of Perth.
The blaze threatened homes on the eastern fringe of Perth, near Maida Vale, Forrestfield, and Kalamunda, and burned east of Perth Airport. More than 2,000 homes and businesses lost power as the fire approached nearby properties.
The fire burnt over 25 hectares of native bushland and tracked westward toward the airport. Firefighters, supported by police and a helicopter, battled the blaze overnight.
By Thursday afternoon, the fire was contained but not controlled, with weather changes posing a risk of a fresh threat. Emergency WA downgraded the alert to watch-and-act.
An evacuation centre was opened at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, and residents remained on alert. Approximately 160 firefighters, multiple crews, police, and a helicopter worked overnight to contain the fire.
Incident controller Paul Postma described active fire inside a protective box created by mineral earth breaks using dozers and front-end loaders, noting it would take hours to ensure control.
Several structures, including fences and a shed, were thought to have been destroyed, but no homes were reported lost.
The accused teenager was due to appear at Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
