Multiple homes in Perth burn after massive fire near housing development – as residents are warned not to return
Several Perth homes have been partially burned after a fire broke out near a housing development, sending a wall of flames towering over properties.
The fire was sparked shortly after 3pm local time on Thursday in Ellenbrook, in the city’s outer north-east.
A warning remains in place on Thursday evening for the area, with residents told it is unsafe to return.
‘A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area bounded by The Broadway, Galatea Pass, Farmaner Parkway, Kerang Way, Weyba Turn, Merloo Lane and Malta Way in Ellenbrook in the City of Swan,’ the warning states.
‘There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing. If you have left the area, it is unsafe to return due to fallen trees, fallen powerlines and other dangers created by the fire.
‘If you have remained in the area, stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change. If you are actively defending your property, continue to patrol and put out spot fires.’
The subdivision is bordered by a forested area and it is unclear how the fire broke out.
Tim McGrade, from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, said between six and eight properties had been damaged.
A wall of flame is pictured towering over homes at the Ellenbrook subdivision
A warning remains in place for those who have left the area that they should wait to return
Several properties were partially damaged in the blaze
The blaze was downgraded to the watch and act alert after multiple fire crews were deployed to the area, along with multiple firefighting aircraft.
There are more than 100 houses in close proximity to each other in the subdivision.
The arson squad is investigating the incident.
