Emergency crews worked through the night to contain a significant fire that broke out in the inner-city Perth suburb of Subiaco. The blaze, which ignited in the early hours of the morning, caused damage to two commercial premises located on Hay Street.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) received multiple calls reporting the fire just after 3:00 AM. Firefighters from several stations were dispatched to the scene on Hay Street, where they were confronted with a well-developed fire. The crews worked for over two hours to bring the flames under control and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent properties. Their efforts were complicated by the nature of the commercial buildings involved.
At the height of the incident, the response included four firefighting appliances and a command unit. Police were also on site to assist with traffic management and public safety, as the operation caused some disruption in the area. There have been no reports of injuries to members of the public or emergency service personnel.
Damage Assessment and Investigation Begins
The fire resulted in substantial damage to the two affected premises. While the full extent of the structural and content loss is still being evaluated, it is clear that both properties have suffered significant harm. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is the subject of an active investigation. Fire investigators were scheduled to attend the scene later in the morning to begin their detailed forensic work, examining the origin and circumstances that led to the outbreak.
Authorities have not yet released specific details about the types of businesses operating from the damaged buildings, pending notification of the owners and a full assessment. The scene remained cordoned off for several hours after the fire was extinguished to allow for a safe and thorough investigation.
Community Impact and Safety Reminders
The incident has shaken the local Subiaco community, with residents and business owners expressing concern over the damage to a prominent street in the suburb. The quick response from emergency services is credited with preventing a more widespread disaster. This fire serves as a critical reminder for all business owners and landlords to ensure their properties comply with the latest fire safety regulations.
Key safety measures include:
- Ensuring smoke alarms are installed, functional, and tested regularly.
- Keeping fire exits and pathways clear of obstructions at all times.
- Having appropriate fire extinguishers accessible and ensuring staff know how to use them.
- Developing and practicing a fire evacuation plan for the workplace.
The investigation into the Subiaco fire is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Further updates on the cause and total damage estimate are expected in the coming days as investigators complete their analysis of the scene.
