A 19-year-old man from Kalamunda has been charged by police following a dangerous bushfire that erupted in the Perth Hills in the early hours of New Year's Day, placing lives and properties at risk.
Alleged Firecracker Ignition Leads to Major Emergency
Strike Force Vulcan investigators allege the incident began around 12:20 am on Thursday, 1 January 2026. It is claimed the teenager threw a firecracker into dry grass within bushland on Temby Avenue in Kalamunda.
This act is alleged to have sparked a blaze that rapidly intensified due to the prevailing conditions. The fire's swift escalation triggered a significant emergency response, demanding resources from multiple Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) crews and police.
Significant Resources Deployed to Battle Blaze
The response to the fast-moving Kalamunda bushfire was substantial. Authorities deployed a Helitak aerial firefighting appliance to combat the flames from the air, while ground crews worked tirelessly to contain the spread.
The fire ultimately burnt through 25 hectares of native bushland. The threat was so severe that it caused significant disruption, with more than 2000 homes in the area losing power as the fire menaced residential zones.
Legal Consequences and Community Impact
The 19-year-old local man has been charged with breach of duty in connection with the fire. He is scheduled to face the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
This incident highlights the severe consequences that can arise from reckless behaviour during high-fire-risk periods. The Perth Hills fire on New Year's Day not only endangered lives and homes but also consumed precious native vegetation and stretched emergency services at the start of the new year.
