Arson detectives are leading an investigation into a suspicious bushfire that erupted in the Perth Hills on Friday afternoon, coming perilously close to residential properties.
Fire Threatens Homes in Boya
Emergency services were called to the Boya Quarry Reserve at approximately 4.50pm on Friday, 2 January 2026, after a large blaze broke out. The fire quickly escalated, posing a direct threat to nearby homes in the area.
Thanks to the swift response of firefighters, the flames were extinguished before any houses could be damaged. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) later downgraded the official warning level to 'watch and act' by Friday evening, with crews remaining on site overnight to monitor the situation.
Further Overnight Flare-Ups
The night remained tense for residents across the region. In the early hours of Saturday morning, further fires flared up in the Shire of Mundaring and the City of Swan.
At about 3.34am, residents in the suburbs of Bellevue, Greenmount, and Koongamia received an emergency alert stating it was too late to leave their properties. Firefighters, however, managed to contain these new outbreaks rapidly, ensuring no loss of life or property.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Western Australia Police have confirmed the Boya bushfire is being treated as suspicious. Officers from Strike Force Vulcan are appealing to the public for assistance.
They are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious people, vehicles, or activity in the vicinity of the Boya Quarry Reserve around the time of the fire to come forward. A police spokesperson emphasised that rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist.
Authorities are asking anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or to make a report online.
