Car Fire Triggers Critical Incident in Kelmscott, Railway Avenue Shut Down
Vehicle fire sparks critical incident in Kelmscott

A vehicle fire on a suburban Perth street has escalated into a major police incident, causing significant disruption and drawing a large emergency service presence.

Emergency Response on Railway Avenue

Authorities were called to Railway Avenue in the suburb of Kelmscott on Tuesday afternoon following reports of a car engulfed in flames. The situation was quickly declared a critical incident by Western Australia Police, leading to a substantial deployment of resources to the scene.

Police have confirmed they are responding to the incident, which began when the vehicle burst into flames. The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation by specialist officers. The declaration of a critical incident allows police to mobilise additional command and specialist resources to manage the situation effectively and ensure public safety.

Road Closures and Public Advisory

The emergency response has necessitated major traffic disruptions in the area. Railway Avenue has been closed in both directions between Albany Highway and River Road, with motorists strongly advised to avoid the vicinity entirely.

Drivers seeking alternative routes are being directed to use surrounding streets to bypass the sealed-off section. The public has been urged to follow all instructions from emergency services personnel on the ground for their own safety.

At this stage, there have been no reports of injuries related to the incident. However, the full circumstances surrounding the car fire remain unclear as police continue their work at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation and Impact

The critical incident response involves multiple agencies working to secure the area, investigate the origin of the fire, and mitigate any ongoing risks. The focus remains on determining the events that led to the vehicle catching fire and assessing whether any criminal activity was involved.

Local residents and businesses in the Kelmscott area are experiencing disruptions due to the road closure and the high visibility police operation. Updates on the situation and when Railway Avenue will reopen to traffic are expected from authorities as the investigation progresses.

This incident highlights the rapid escalation potential of vehicle fires and the coordinated response required from WA Police and other emergency services to protect the community and manage unforeseen events in metropolitan areas.