Updated: December 11, 2025 • Perth, WA • By Swikblog News Desk
**Breaking:** A major bushfire emergency has erupted across Perth’s south-east, forcing authorities to issue a “Leave Now” emergency warning for multiple suburbs including Kenwick, Wattle Grove, Maddington and Beckenham. The fire is spreading rapidly under hot, dry conditions and strong winds, placing homes, residents and major roads at risk. This is a developing story — stay informed and follow official alerts closely.
What We Know Right Now
According to the ABC News, the bushfire began in the Kenwick area and has quickly grown in size, prompting immediate alerts from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Residents have been told that if their evacuation route is clear, they must leave immediately. The situation is volatile, and conditions could deteriorate further with little or no notice.
How the Fire Escalated So Quickly
Perth has endured days of high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds, creating classic bushfire conditions around the city’s outer suburbs. Dry grass, scrub and urban bushland can ignite and spread rapidly, particularly along transport corridors, reserves and vacant blocks. Authorities have warned throughout the week that any fire that starts under these conditions will be difficult to control.
BUSHFIRE – KENWICK, ORANGE GROVE, WATTLE GROVE, MADDINGTON AND BECKENHAM
— Main Roads WA (@Perth_Traffic) December 11, 2025
Multiple road closures in place on Tonkin Highway
Roe Highway and Welshpool Road East also affected
Traffic heavy in the area
Avoid the area, seek alternate routehttps://t.co/8KWlWgl0dW#perthtraffic pic.twitter.com/JhzJFxuU17
Emergency Warning Issued
DFES’s emergency warnings are reserved for the most dangerous situations — meaning lives are in danger now. Residents in the affected areas are being urged to prioritize their safety above property, leave early if possible, and avoid travel during heavy smoke conditions. The official Emergency WA portal is tracking the live warning map and updates:
Areas Under Threat
The current emergency warning covers:
- Kenwick
- Wattle Grove
- Maddington
- Beckenham
These suburbs are experiencing heavy smoke and fast-moving flames. Residents are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute — conditions can change without warning.
Fire Conditions & Weather Impact
Fire authorities have reported that hot temperatures, strong winds and low humidity have created extreme fire conditions in Perth’s south-east. Dry grasslands, bush edges and reserves are providing ample fuel for the blaze to spread rapidly. Embers carried by wind can start spot fires well ahead of the main fire front, increasing danger for properties and evacuation routes.
Official Advice for Residents
If you are in or near the emergency warning zone, follow these critical safety tips from DFES and health officials:
- Leave immediately if it is safe to do so and your evacuation route is clear.
- Pack essential items: medications, important documents, water, clothing and supplies.
- Wear protective clothing and carry eye/face protection against smoke.
- Keep pets with you; do not leave animals behind.
- Monitor official channels for updates — don’t rely on social media rumors.
Roads & Transport Impact
The Kenwick bushfire is affecting visibility and traffic on local roads. Smoke may reduce sight distance dramatically, posing risks for drivers. Authorities have urged drivers to:
- Allow extra travel time;
- Avoid smoke-affected areas if possible;
- Follow traffic regulator instructions;
- Keep headlights on and reduce speed in smoky conditions.
Smoke, Air Quality & Health
Heavy smoke is not confined to the fire zone. Surrounding suburbs may experience degraded air quality. Sensitive groups — including young children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions — should limit outdoor activity, keep doors and windows closed and run air conditioning on recirculate if available. More health guidelines can be found on:
If You Can’t Leave
In some cases, it may not be safe to evacuate — roads may be blocked, smoke too thick or heat too close. In that scenario, DFES recommends sheltering in a structurally sound building, away from windows, with water supplies and communications on hand. Keep listening to alerts and prepare to act immediately if conditions change.
Bushfire Season and Preparedness
Western Australia’s bushfire season has grown longer and more unpredictable, largely due to hotter and drier springs and summers. Residents in fringe suburbs should always maintain a bushfire survival plan, keep fuel sources cleared around homes, and be ready to act early on high risk days. Learn more about preparedness:
- DFES – Bushfire Safety & Preparedness
- Stay Informed — Official Sources Only
With conditions evolving rapidly, always check official sources before making decisions:
- Emergency WA live alert maps;
- ABC Emergency radio updates;
- DFES warnings and social channels;
- Local government notices.
Swikblog will continue to update this post as new official information becomes available. Your safety is the top priority — act early, stay alert and help others where you can.
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Perth South-East Bushfire Emergency: Kenwick ‘Leave Now’ Warning | Swikblog
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