Residents in Perth’s south have been warned it is now too late to leave their homes as an out-of-control bushfire burns through Casuarina, driven by extreme heat and shifting winds that have pushed temperatures beyond 40C.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services upgraded the blaze to an emergency level shortly before 3.45pm on Monday, issuing a stark message to people living within the area bounded by Thomas Road, Bombay Boulevard, Newbold Road, Market Street and Orton Road.
“Fire has impacted evacuation routes and leaving now will put your life in danger,” a DFES spokesperson said, urging residents to shelter inside their homes rather than attempt to flee through smoke-choked roads.
The fire, first reported shortly after 3pm, is moving in a north-easterly direction and remains neither contained nor controlled. Authorities say around five hectares of land have already been burned as crews battle to slow the spread under punishing conditions.
Residents have been told to take refuge in a room with running water — such as a kitchen or laundry — and ensure there is a clear exit available if conditions deteriorate further. Fire officials warned that extreme radiant heat can be fatal even before flames reach a property.
Firefighters are working on the ground while multiple water-bombing aircraft attack the fire from above, dropping retardant as thick, dark smoke blankets parts of Perth’s southern suburbs.
Road closures are adding to the disruption. Thomas Road has been shut in both directions between Central Avenue and Marri Park Drive, while Tonkin Highway is closed between Rowley Road and Thomas Road after visibility dropped sharply due to smoke.
Footage released by Main Roads WA shows dense smoke blowing across major traffic corridors, with motorists urged to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes where possible.
BUSHFIRE – THOMAS ROAD CLOSED BOTH DIRECTIONS BETWEEN CENTRAL AVENUE AND MARRI PARK DRIVE, CASUARINA
— Main Roads WA (@Perth_Traffic) February 2, 2026
Smoke in the area
DFES on site
Traffic slow on in both directions
Seek an alternate routehttps://t.co/xBb5uEoG0j #perthtraffic pic.twitter.com/GMdoU3POtY
The severity of the fire has been compounded by extreme heat across the metropolitan area. Temperatures near Jandakot reached 41.3C around 2.30pm before easing slightly, though conditions remain dangerously hot for firefighting operations.
A separate “watch and act” warning remains in place for parts of nearby Anketell, where authorities say there is a possible threat to lives and homes as conditions continue to change rapidly.
Emergency services are urging residents across Perth’s south to stay informed through official channels, monitor warnings closely, and avoid travel near active fire grounds. Live road closures and emergency updates are being published by Emergency WA .
With temperatures remaining high and winds unpredictable, authorities say the situation remains volatile. Residents outside the emergency zone are being asked to stay alert and prepared as crews continue efforts to contain the blaze.
