A dangerous bushfire is threatening lives and homes in Perth's eastern suburbs, with residents in parts of Kalamunda and Maida Vale told to leave immediately on New Year's Day.
Emergency Warning Issued for Perth Hills
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a Bushfire Emergency Warning in the early hours of Thursday, 1 January 2026. The fire, which is not contained or controlled, is moving in a northerly direction.
The warning is for people in an area bounded by Norwood Road, Taylor Road, Colac Place, Bird Road, Alpine Road, Wandoo Road, Holmes Road, Anderson Road and Hawtin Road. This includes parts of Maida Vale, Forrestfield and Kalamunda within the City of Kalamunda.
DFES advises that people in this zone are in direct danger and must act immediately to survive. "Do not wait and see," the warning states. "Leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger."
What Residents Must Do Now
For those in the Emergency Warning area, the clear instruction is to leave now if the way is clear. Residents should go to a safer place, such as family or friends away from the fire zone.
If it is safe, the recommended route is to leave in a westerly direction toward Hawtin Road via Maud or Norwood Roads. It is too dangerous to return home if you are not already there.
For anyone who cannot leave, preparing to shelter is critical. You must shelter before the fire arrives, as extreme heat can kill before flames reach you. Go to a room with running water, like a kitchen or laundry, that also has a clear exit.
If you become trapped in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, and get onto the floor. Close all doors and windows at home and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
Evacuation Centre and Road Closures
An evacuation centre has been established by the Department of Communities at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, located at 200 Newburn Road, High Wycombe. Evacuees should bring essential items like medications and identification.
Pet owners should note that animals, except for recognised assistance animals, are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health reasons, so alternative arrangements must be made.
Several roads are closed due to the fire, including Harbour Road, Temby Road, and Holmes Road. Motorists are urged to drive carefully, reduce speed, and be aware of emergency crews working in the area.
Watch and Act Alert for Wider Area
A separate Bushfire Watch and Act alert is current for people in an area bounded by Roe Highway, Hawtin Road and Sultana Road East in parts of Maida Vale. Residents there should stay alert, monitor their surroundings, and finalise their bushfire survival plans.
Authorities urge all residents to keep up to date via Emergency WA, the DFES website, or by listening to ABC Local Radio or 6PR. During a power outage, standard NBN connections will fail, so a battery-powered radio is essential.
