A 19 year old male has been arrested after authorities have accused him of tossing an explosive device into a patch of arid vegetation causing fast moving fires to occur within the Perth Hills.
This resulted in the destruction of homes and electricity to over 2000 residents as the New Year began in 2026.
The fire began around 12:20 AM Thursday in an undeveloped area located off Temby Avenue in Kalamunda this location was determined through investigative efforts by Strike Force Vulcan.
The junior was charged with one count of failing his duty by unlawfully throwing a firecracker amid dry vegetation and he is scheduled for appearance in Perth Magistrates Court.
According to WA Police, the wildfire gained rapid momentum, intensifying to the level of requiring multiple Department of Fire and Emergency Services teams on site.
The authorities issued warnings regarding the potential for a small ignition source to create an emergency site within minutes.
For those living in the eastern suburbs of Perth, the threat posed by the fire led to emergency warnings being issued overnight with many residents feeling the need to evacuate or shelter due to changing conditions.
Fire services continued to work through difficult terrain and extreme heat, while at this point all warnings for the emergency had eventually downgraded.
Early on Thursday morning police stated that the bushfire had burnt approximately 25 hectares of native bushland and continued to spread.
This figure was later amended to reflect that the bushfire had grown to cover 1499 hectares.
Many residents had to wait overnight at evacuation points for any updates and directions regarding roadblocks.
Police further reported that over 2000 properties within the area were left without power, reports also discussed power outages affecting properties and businesses.
Emergency services have reminded residents that, while the alert for fire danger has reached its peak for this time of year.
The fire continues to be a threat for all of us. Even after the main fire has been contained, hazards exist in the form of smoke, falling trees and damaged power infrastructure.
According to emergency management agencies, a change in the wind direction or flaring in the area can drastically increase the risk of fire.
The individual charged is now before the court while fire services continue mop up and containment operations and residents continue to check the official warnings for new updates in their area.
