A significant bushfire burning beside a major arterial road has forced the immediate closure of a section of Hester Avenue in Perth's northern suburbs this afternoon.
Road Closure and Emergency Response
Hester Avenue between the Mitchell Freeway and Wanneroo Road in Neerabup has been completely blocked to all motorists. The closure was enacted swiftly after Emergency WA first reported the blaze at approximately 3:07pm on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Authorities moved quickly to secure the area as the fire posed a direct threat to the roadway. Crews from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) are currently on the scene, actively working to contain and extinguish the fire.
Visual Evidence and Traffic Impact
Visual confirmation of the incident was provided by Main Roads WA, which posted a short clip to its official X (formerly Twitter) account at about 3:31pm. The footage clearly shows flames from the bushfire burning dangerously close to the road, with large plumes of smoke drifting across the tarmac, severely reducing visibility.
The primary impact for the public is a major disruption to traffic flow in the area. Main Roads and emergency services are strongly urging all motorists to avoid Hester Avenue entirely and seek an alternative route for their journey. Drivers are advised to plan ahead for significant delays and to follow all directions from traffic management personnel on the ground.
Safety Remains the Priority
The closure underscores the rapid danger that bushfires can pose to infrastructure and public safety, even in suburban fringe areas. The decision to close the road is a standard precaution to protect motorists from potential falling debris, poor air quality, and sudden changes in fire behaviour.
Residents and commuters in the Neerabup and surrounding northern suburbs should monitor official channels for updates. The situation remains dynamic, and the road will likely remain closed until DFES crews have the situation fully under control and deem the area safe for travel.
