A 19-year-old man has been charged after a severe bushfire in Perth’s east sparked an emergency warning for residents.
Emergency services were first notified of the blaze in Maida Vale about 12.20am on New Year’s Day before it rapidly started to gain strength.
Firefighters struggled to control the fire and an emergency warning was issued for residents in Maida Vale, Forrestfield and Kalamunda about 6am.
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By then, more than 2000 homes and businesses had lost power and locals were urged to seek shelter or flee if safe.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” Emergency WA said.
“There is a threat to lives and homes.”
A serious blaze was allegedly sparked by a teen who threw a firecracker into dry grass. Credit: Facebook Emergency services were first notified of the blaze in Maide Vale about 12.20am. Credit: 7NEWS The fire has consumed more than 25 hectares of native bushland.
It has been contained by firefighters but is not under control, and a watch and act alert is in place for people bounded by Norwood Rd, Taylor Rd, Colac Pl, Bird Rd, Alpine Rd, Wandoo Rd, Holmes Rd, Lewis Rd and Anderson Rd.
“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing,” authorities said.
A 19-year-old was arrested later on Thursday, with police alleging he threw a firecracker into dry grass just after midnight, igniting the blaze.
He was charged with one count of breach of duty and is expected to front the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
An evacuation centre was opened at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre for fleeing residents.
The fire has since been downgraded to a ‘watch and act’ alert, with residents urged to remain alert and “monitor your surroundings as conditions could change”.
“Continue to patrol your property and be ready to put out spot fires,” Emergency WA said.