Firefighters have brought a serious house fire in Perth's south-eastern suburb of St James under control after a dramatic morning response.
Emergency Response to Explosions and Smoke
Emergency services were called to Reen Street in St James just before 9:50am on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, following multiple reports of a house well alight. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) confirmed that crews arrived to find a property engulfed, with loud explosions heard and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The intensity of the blaze required a significant firefighting effort to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring homes. St John WA paramedics, including special operations teams, were also deployed to the scene to provide medical support and assess any potential casualties.
Fire Contained Within Half an Hour
Through the rapid work of firefighters, the main body of the fire was contained by approximately 10:15am. Crews remained on site to extinguish hot spots and ensure the structure was made safe. The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be subject to an investigation.
A key concern for authorities remains the welfare of the home's occupants. It is still unclear whether everyone who was in the property at the time of the fire has been accounted for. Police are assisting with inquiries to establish this critical detail.
Community and Aftermath
The incident has drawn significant attention from the local community, with residents reporting the sound of explosions and the sight of the large smoke plume from a distance. The quick containment limited damage to surrounding properties, but the affected house has suffered substantial damage.
DFES and other relevant agencies will continue their work at the scene throughout the day. Further updates on the cause of the fire and the status of residents are expected as the investigation progresses.
