An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for parts of Ellenbrook in Perth’s north-east, with authorities telling residents in the affected area to leave immediately if it is safe. Firefighters are working to contain the fast-moving blaze as changing conditions continue to threaten homes.
BUSHFIRE – TONKIN HIGHWAY NEAR THE PROMENADE, ELLENBROOK
— Main Roads WA (@Perth_Traffic) January 29, 2026
Smoke in the area
Keep windows and vents closed
DFES on site
No traffic delays, proceed with caution https://t.co/opvsGWKx8K #perthtraffic pic.twitter.com/qVPE9pQR9g
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued the emergency warning after the bushfire intensified during the afternoon. Officials said lives and homes were at risk, urging people within the warning zone to leave immediately if they had a safe escape route. Emergency warnings are the highest level of bushfire alert in Western Australia and mean there is an immediate threat to life.
What residents have been told to do
- Leave immediately if it is safe. Do not wait for conditions to deteriorate.
- Do not return home once you have evacuated unless emergency authorities advise it is safe.
- Stay informed. Bushfire conditions can change rapidly because of shifting winds, smoke and ember attacks.
For the latest bushfire warnings, evacuation advice and incident updates, visit the Emergency WA warnings page.
Authorities advised residents to take essential items such as medication, identification, mobile phones, chargers, water and pets before leaving. Fire agencies consistently warn that early evacuation is the safest option because smoke, road closures and heavy emergency traffic can make escape routes unsafe within minutes.
The emergency warning covered parts of Ellenbrook bordered by roads including The Broadway, Galatea Pass, Farmaner Parkway and Elmridge Parkway. Residents were advised to travel south where it was safe to do so and avoid driving toward smoke or active fire areas.
Why conditions can change so quickly
Bushfires on the edge of suburban communities can spread faster than many people expect. Strong winds can carry burning embers well ahead of the main fire front, allowing spot fires to ignite gardens, fences, sheds and rooftops even before flames arrive. That is why emergency agencies recommend acting as soon as an emergency warning is issued rather than waiting for visible flames.
| Action | Reason | Key reminder |
|---|---|---|
| Leave early | Reduces the risk of becoming trapped by smoke or road closures. | Take essential belongings and pets. |
| Secure your home | Closing doors and windows may reduce ember entry. | Only do this if you can leave safely afterwards. |
| Monitor official updates | Warning boundaries and road conditions may change. | Use official emergency information. |
Even people outside the emergency warning area should remain alert. Smoke can reduce visibility, ash may travel several kilometres from the fire and changing winds can lead to new warnings being issued. Keeping mobile devices charged and limiting unnecessary travel can help people respond quickly if conditions change.
Similar incidents have shown how quickly transport and nearby communities can be affected during major emergencies. A recent Brisbane CBD emergency that disrupted traffic near Central Station highlighted how rapidly official advice can change during unfolding incidents.
Firefighters remain on the ground as they work to protect homes and contain the blaze. Residents should continue monitoring official alerts, as emergency warning areas, evacuation advice and road access may change throughout the incident.
In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Do not return to the warning area until emergency authorities confirm it is safe.
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