Firefighters are engaged in a major battle against an out-of-control bushfire in Perth's southern suburbs, with significant transport disruptions now entering a second day. The blaze, which ignited near Warnbro train station on Monday, continues to burn aggressively, prompting urgent warnings for residents and the closure of a key train line.
Transport Chaos and Emergency Warnings
The Mandurah train line between Rockingham and Mandurah remains cancelled as a direct result of the fire, which is threatening infrastructure. Transperth has organised replacement bus services but is urging all commuters to allow considerable extra time for their journeys.
Road closures are also causing significant disruption. Safety Bay Road is shut between Baldivis Road and Ennis Avenue, while Ennis Avenue is closed between Wilmott Drive and Royal Palm Drive. These closures are severely impacting local traffic flow.
Authorities escalated warnings on Tuesday morning, alerting residents in parts of Warnbro, Cooloongup, and Waikiki to the immediate danger of ember attacks. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a specific Watch and Act alert for an area bounded by Mandurah Road, Safety Bay Road, Read Street, The Avenue, Wilmott Drive, and Seagate Street.
Firefighting Efforts and Community Advice
More than 100 firefighters are on the ground working to contain the blaze. DFES reports the fire is uncontained and moving in a north-north westerly direction, posing a possible threat to lives and homes. Conditions remain volatile.
Residents within the warning area have been given clear instructions. "If your plan is to leave, leave now," the official warning states. Those choosing to stay and defend their properties are warned they must be mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply ready.
Separate bushfire advice warnings are also current for parts of Safety Bay, Waikiki, and Cooloongup. Authorities are directing all affected community members to the Emergency WA website for the very latest updates and map data.
What You Need to Do
If you are in the affected area, follow this critical advice from DFES:
- Leave immediately if that is your plan. Do not delay your departure.
- Take your pre-prepared emergency kit, including a battery-powered radio, first aid supplies, woollen blankets, phones, protective clothing, medications, and important valuables.
- Know your destination and route in advance, ideally to the home of family or friends away from the danger zone.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke ingress.
- Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but if possible, keep water running through the system to help stop embers from entering the roof space.
- If defending, patrol your property to extinguish any spot fires caused by embers.
The community is urged to remain vigilant and follow all official instructions as this serious incident develops.
