A dangerous bushfire in the Perth Hills near Beechina in the Shire of Mundaring has burned through more than 60 hectares and threatened homes, forcing authorities to issue emergency warnings before later downgrading the alert to a Watch and Act level.
The fire was first reported just after 2pm on March 11, quickly escalating into an out-of-control blaze that moved through bushland east of Perth. Emergency services initially warned residents it was too late to safely leave as flames advanced and evacuation routes became blocked.
Firefighters, supported by aerial crews, continue to battle the blaze as officials urge residents in affected communities to remain vigilant. While the alert level has been lowered, authorities stress the fire is still not contained or controlled.
Emergency warning issued as fire spreads across Beechina
Emergency WA first issued a serious warning for residents bounded by Great Eastern Highway, Doconing Road and Old Northam Road in parts of Beechina. Authorities said the bushfire was moving in a westerly direction and posed a direct threat to homes and lives.
The emergency message warned residents they were in danger and needed to act immediately to survive. For many locals, leaving safely was no longer possible due to the speed of the fire and the closure of major roads.
At the height of the emergency, authorities urged residents to follow their bushfire survival plans and prepare to defend their properties if they were able to do so safely.
Homes and properties threatened by fast-moving flames
Footage from news helicopters showed the intensity of the fire as it burned through bushland and paddocks across the Perth Hills. One abandoned house and a large shed were reportedly engulfed by flames as the bushfire spread through the area.
Residents were seen attempting to evacuate horses and livestock from nearby properties while thick smoke and flames approached rural land.
The blaze is believed to have burned through more than 60 hectares since it was first reported, highlighting how quickly fires can escalate in dry bushland conditions across Western Australia.
Road closures complicate evacuation efforts
The fire also caused major traffic disruptions in the region. Authorities closed Great Eastern Highway between Carter Road and Doconing Road, impacting evacuation routes and causing traffic delays.
Reports from the scene indicated trucks had become backed up along the shoulder of the highway due to the closure.
Officials warned residents in the emergency zone to remain where they were rather than attempting to travel through the dangerous area while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Alert downgraded to Watch and Act
By 6:38pm, Emergency WA downgraded the alert level to Watch and Act, stating that the fire had become stationary.
The updated warning still applies to people within the area bounded by Great Eastern Highway, Doconing Road and Old Northam Road in Beechina.
Authorities explained the downgrade occurred because the fire was no longer rapidly advancing, but there is still a possible threat to homes and lives.
Firefighters continue working to prevent the blaze from spreading further, and aerial support remains active over the area.
Additional warnings issued for nearby communities
A separate Watch and Act warning has also been issued for residents bounded by Forge Drive, Government Road and Old Northam Road in parts of Chidlow and Wooroloo.
Officials say residents in these areas should remain alert for potential ember attacks, which can ignite spot fires well ahead of the main blaze.
An additional advice alert has been issued for areas to the north-west of the fire zone, indicating there is currently no immediate danger but residents should continue monitoring conditions.
Safety advice issued to residents
Authorities have provided several safety instructions for people living in affected areas:
- Stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions can change quickly.
- Be ready to act if the situation worsens.
- Review your bushfire survival plan.
- Prepare an emergency kit in case evacuation becomes necessary.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes.
- Patrol your property and be prepared to extinguish spot fires.
Officials also advised residents who may have difficulty moving quickly to consider leaving early if conditions allow.
Fire crews and aircraft continue battling the blaze
Firefighters remain on the ground working to contain the bushfire while aerial crews assist by dropping water and monitoring the fire’s movement.
Although the blaze is currently stationary, authorities stress it is still not contained or controlled, meaning crews must continue working to secure containment lines and prevent flare-ups.
Emergency services will continue monitoring weather conditions and fire behavior throughout the evening.
Where to find official updates
Residents seeking real-time information about the bushfire can follow updates through the Emergency WA website, which provides official warnings and evacuation advice.
Further bushfire preparedness information is available from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, including guidance on preparing homes and creating survival plans.
Authorities are urging people in Beechina, Chidlow and Wooroloo to remain vigilant while emergency crews continue working to bring the Perth Hills bushfire under control.
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