Bushfires Pose Ongoing Threat to Perth Suburbs
Perth, 10 January 2026 – Bushfires continue to challenge Western Australia’s emergency services, with several blazes impacting suburbs east of Perth. A major fire in the City of Kalamunda, which threatened homes in High Wycombe, has been downgraded but remains a concern, while other incidents in the Perth Hills and surrounding areas highlight the risks of ember attacks and rapid spread in hot, windy conditions.
Key Fire Incidents in Perth
Emergency services have reported multiple bushfires across Perth’s eastern and southern regions. A fast-moving blaze in High Wycombe, part of the City of Kalamunda, led to an emergency warning on 9 January 2026, with residents urged to act immediately as lives and homes were at risk. The fire closed sections of Roe Highway, causing traffic disruptions and reduced visibility due to smoke. Although downgraded to a watch and act level by late afternoon, authorities warn that conditions could change quickly, with possible ember attacks.
In the Perth Hills, a bushfire that started in the early hours of New Year’s Day has been contained, but residents in areas like Maida Vale remain vigilant. Another fire in Boya Quarry Reserve, reported on 25 December 2025, threatened nearby properties but was extinguished. Insulated power lines are set to be rolled out in the Perth Hills this year to mitigate bushfire risks, following a trial in Yanchep that began in late 2025.
South of Perth, a bushfire in the City of Rockingham raged out of control, burning through 93 hectares of land near Warnbro train station. It was declared contained on 31 December 2025, but investigations into its cause continue, with arson suspected. Residents in Cooloongup, Waikiki, and Warnbro faced prepare-to-leave warnings due to ember threats.
Emergency Responses and Downgrades
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued various alert levels, from emergency warnings to advice notices. A bushfire in the Shire of Boddington was downgraded to an advice level for the second time, affecting Bannister, Boddington, and Marradong. In the South West region, residents in Leschenault, Brunswick, and Wellesley were told it was too late to leave on 5 January 2026, as a fire threatened lives and homes.
Tragically, a 34-year-old farmer was killed by a falling tree while patrolling a bushfire in Mindarabin on 7 January 2026. Firefighters also reported losses at a culturally significant site in Western Australia due to a raging bushfire. Despite these challenges, community responses have been strong, with locals defending homes using buckets of water and volunteers supporting crews.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Fire Location | Status as of 10 January 2026 | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| High Wycombe (City of Kalamunda) | Downgraded to watch and act; not contained | Roe Highway closures; threat to homes; evacuation centre at High Wycombe Community Centre |
| Warnbro (City of Rockingham) | Contained since 31 December 2025 | 93 hectares burned; no homes lost; train services disrupted |
| Perth Hills (various sites) | Mostly extinguished; ongoing patrols | Insulated power lines planned; ember attack warnings |
| Boddington Shire | Advice level | Conditions changing; residents advised to stay alert |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive a bushfire warning?
Follow official DFES alerts immediately. If it’s an emergency warning, evacuate if safe; otherwise, shelter in place with running water available, close doors and windows, and monitor updates via ABC Emergency or official channels.
How can I prepare for bushfires in Perth?
Create a bushfire survival plan, clear flammable materials from your property, ensure driveways are accessible for emergency vehicles, and stay informed through DFES apps or websites. In hot, windy conditions, avoid using garden hoses to conserve water for firefighting.
Are Perth suburbs at risk from urban fires like those in Los Angeles?
Experts warn that Australian cities, including Perth with its Mediterranean climate, share risks from extreme winds and dry conditions. Climate change is lengthening fire seasons, increasing the need for preparedness on urban fringes.