Kalamunda has been put under an emergency alert by the authorities due to a bushfire in the eastern suburbs of Perth that continues to burn intensely and is endangering the lives of thousands of people.Â
The fire, which started in the early hours of New Year’s Day, has already engulfed more than 25 hectares of native bushland and has led to the evacuation of many areas. The firefighting team are putting in extra effort to gain control over the fire, while the people nearby are very cautious.
Kalamunda faces an emergency alert as bushfire threatens thousands. [Source: 9News]
How Did The Kalamunda Bushfire Begin?
A 19-year-old man has been arrested by the police, who accuse him of having caused the fire by throwing a firecracker in the grassland near Temby Avenue, where it was very dry.Â
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) stated that the inferno spread very quickly, and they had to call in several ground crews and a helicopter to assist in extinguishing the fire.Â
The authorities cautioned that the situation was still very dangerous, and even a little bit of fire could become a big one very fast in the dry weather.
Bushfire Threatens Homes And Infrastructure
The bushfire in Kalamunda has made life difficult for the people there; about 2,000 houses have lost electricity, and the fire has raised questions about the safety of the residents. The closeness of the fire to the residential areas and Perth Airport, only five kilometres away, increased the urgency of the response.Â
Fortunately, the airport did not experience any flight cancellations, but the officials are still watching the situation very closely as the fire changes.
Kalamunda bushfire cuts power, endangers homes near the airport. [Source: Ommcom News]
What Areas Are Affected By The Emergency Warning in Kalamunda?
The DFES warning area encompasses territory encircled by Norwood Road, Taylor Road, Colac Place, Bird Road, Alpine Road, Wandoo Road, Holmes Road, Lewis Road, and Anderson Road.Â
People living in the area have been told to be cautious and to evacuate, if necessary, without hesitation. The officials made it clear that the situation might change very quickly, and the public must be ready to vacate the area on very short notice.
Evacuation Centres Provide Shelter For Displaced Residents
200 Newburn Road is the address of the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, which has opened its doors as an evacuation centre for people escaping the fire. Emergency personnel are managing the firefighting and the evacuation operations at the same time.Â
Posts on social media have depicted the fire in a very intense way, and some neighbours have stated that the smoke and the evacuation orders were the prominent features of their New Year’s Day celebration.
High Wycombe Centre at 200 Newburn Road shelters evacuees. [Source: Buckinghamshire]
How Are Firefighters Responding To The Crisis?
Right after the ignition of the fire, multiple firefighting crews from DFES were deployed, and aerial support was on the spot to help in containment. The authorities underlined that bushfires are very unpredictable and may shift their path in a matter of minutes.Â
The firefighter teams’ priorities are to save the houses, protect the people, and control the fire before it gets a chance to spread out. Residents are asked to heed all safety warnings and to stay clear of the fire-prone area.
What Should Residents Do To Stay Safe During The Kalamunda Bushfire?
Authorities advise residents to stay informed via official DFES channels and emergency alerts. Individuals should prepare emergency kits, keep vehicles fuelled, and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.Â
Even minor fires in dry bushland can escalate quickly, making immediate action essential. Maintaining situational awareness and following official guidance remain the most effective ways to stay safe.
Also read: Guardian Investors’ Losses Grow As Western Australia Bushfires Escalate
FAQs
Q1: What caused the Kalamunda bushfire?
A 19-year-old man allegedly ignited the blaze using a firecracker in dry bushland near Temby Avenue.
Q2: How many homes are threatened?
More than 2,000 homes lost power, and many are within the emergency warning zone.
Q3: Has Perth Airport been affected?
No flights have been affected so far, but authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Q4: Where can residents evacuate?
High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, 200 Newburn Road, is the designated evacuation centre.
Q5: How can residents stay updated?
Residents should follow DFES updates and local emergency alerts to receive timely instructions.
