A fast-moving bushfire has triggered an emergency “leave now” warning for parts of Ellenbrook in Perth’s north-east, with authorities warning the fire is threatening lives and homes and urging residents to act immediately.
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
Residents in Ellenbrook have been told to leave as an emergency bushfire warning was issued in the mid-afternoon, with the fire reported to be moving toward residential streets. The warning specifically covered people living in an area bordered by key local roads and parkways, with advice to evacuate in a southerly direction if it is safe to do so.
What the warning means
- You are in danger. If the way is clear, leaving early is safer than waiting for conditions to worsen.
- Do not return to collect belongings if you are already away from home.
- Roads can change quickly. Smoke, falling embers and emergency vehicles can make routes unsafe with little warning.
For the most current official updates, use the Emergency WA warnings map.
According to the emergency advice circulated during the afternoon, residents in the affected pocket of Ellenbrook were directed to leave immediately if safe, taking an emergency kit and moving away from the fire area. Authorities warned that delaying a decision can be deadly in fast-changing suburban bushfire conditions, where embers can jump ahead of the main fire front and ignite fences, gardens, sheds and roof spaces.
The warning zone referenced streets including The Broadway, Galatea Pass, Farmaner Parkway and Elmridge Parkway, with residents urged to move south if they could do so safely. If you are nearby but not inside the warning area, the message is still to stay alert: wind shifts and spot fires can expand danger zones rapidly, particularly when conditions are hot and dry.
| Action | Why it matters | Do it now |
|---|---|---|
| Leave early if safe | Traffic, smoke and roadblocks can trap people if they wait too long. | Keys, wallet, phone, chargers, meds, water, pets. |
| Shut up the house | Reduces ember entry and slows heat and smoke. | Close windows/doors, block gaps, move curtains. |
| If you can’t leave, shelter early | The most dangerous time is just before and during the fire front. | Choose a room with water and two exits. |
For many families, the hardest part of a sudden bushfire warning is deciding when to go. Fire agencies consistently stress that leaving early is the safest option when an emergency warning is issued. If you are leaving, take pets if possible and avoid routes that move you toward smoke and flame. If you are unable to leave safely, prepare to shelter before the fire arrives; once the fire front is close, the radiant heat and thick smoke can be more dangerous than the flames themselves.
Neighbours outside the immediate “leave now” zone should also keep a close eye on updates. Even where homes are not yet directly threatened, bushfires can cause sudden power interruptions, reduced visibility, falling ash and embers, and changes to local traffic conditions as emergency crews move in. Keep your phone charged, limit unnecessary travel and check on vulnerable friends or relatives by phone rather than in person.
If you’re following this story for practical updates, bookmark this page and refresh official alerts regularly. Emergency warnings are often expanded, downgraded or updated as conditions change, and road access can shift quickly.
Also read: Australia emergency update: Brisbane CBD disruption after truck fire near Central Station
For Ellenbrook locals, the next few hours matter most. If you are told to leave, treat it as time-critical. Grab essentials, lock up if you can, and move away from the warning area without stopping to watch the fire. For everyone else across Perth’s north-east, keep eyes on the sky and ears on official alerts, because when bushfires push into suburban edges, small changes in wind can quickly become big changes on the ground.
In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). If you have already left, do not return until authorities say it is safe.
