A major vehicle fire involving a garbage truck has caused significant disruption on one of Perth's key traffic arteries, forcing the closure of the Kwinana Freeway southbound in Jandakot on Friday morning.
Freeway Closed After Early Morning Blaze
The incident occurred at approximately 10:20am on Friday, 9 January 2026. A garbage truck caught fire on the Kwinana Freeway southbound, near the Armadale Road exit in Jandakot. The blaze led to a large spill of waste material across the roadway, exacerbating the situation.
Emergency services, including crews from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), were immediately dispatched to the scene to tackle the fire and manage the hazardous situation.
Major Traffic Delays and Lane Closures
The fire and subsequent cleanup operation have had a severe impact on southbound traffic flow. Authorities have been forced to implement the following road closures:
- The left lane of the Kwinana Freeway southbound is closed.
- The Berrigan Drive entry ramp onto the freeway is also closed.
As a result, traffic is reported to be heavy on approach to the incident site, with significant delays expected for southbound commuters. Motorists are experiencing major congestion as traffic merges to get past the scene.
Authorities Urge Driver Caution
Main Roads Western Australia has issued an advisory, urging all drivers to exercise extreme caution in the area. Crews are working to clear the scene, but the process is expected to take some time due to the nature of the incident involving both a vehicle fire and a substantial spill.
Commuters are strongly advised to seek alternative routes if possible to avoid the Jandakot area. Drivers who must travel through the region should allow for considerable additional journey time and follow all instructions from traffic management and emergency service personnel on site.
The cleanup and investigation into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
