BREAKING: Residents are urged to evacuate as bushfires rage in Perth’s eastern suburbs, causing significant disruptions, including flight delays at Perth Airport. As of Thursday afternoon, authorities have issued emergency alerts for areas including Kenwick, Wattle Grove, Maddington, and Beckenham.
Despite reports that two bushfires have been downgraded to “watch-and-act” levels, officials warn that the situation remains volatile. Firefighters are battling a blaze that is currently uncontained and uncontrolled, particularly affecting homes along Boundary Road. Eyewitness accounts confirm at least one home has caught fire in the area.
The fires have forced the closure of Perth Airport’s main runway, impacting flight schedules. Authorities confirmed that the main runway (03/21) is temporarily out of service, with flights rerouted to the cross runway (06/24). However, weight restrictions are preventing four wide-body aircraft from using this alternative runway.
The bushfires began just after 12:00 PM local time, with aerial firefighting units deployed to combat the flames near the Kenwick Wetlands Nature Reserve. Smoke has severely impacted visibility on Roe Highway, prompting emergency alerts for residents in a designated area bounded by Welshpool Road East, Tonkin Highway, Kenwick Road, Brixton Street, and Roe Highway.
Residents are advised to evacuate south towards Albany Highway and to prepare an emergency kit. Those unable to flee are instructed to shelter in a safe room with running water and a clear escape route. “If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return,” warns a statement from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
In a separate incident, another emergency warning has been issued for residents in Bullsbrook and Upper Swan, although conditions there have reportedly eased as of the evening. The fire in this area was first reported at 12:51 PM and is still uncontained, moving in a northeasterly direction.
Aerial support continues to assist ground crews, and the Department of Communities has established an evacuation center at Swan Active Beechboro on Benara Road. Motorists are advised to stay informed, as numerous roads remain closed, including Wanaping Road and Bickley Road.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels as the situation develops. The urgency of these warnings cannot be overstated—lives and homes remain at risk. Share this information broadly to help keep your community safe.
