Perth teenager charged after allegedly throwing firecracker that sparked New Year’s Eve bushfire | Western Australia

A teenager accused of launching fireworks into Perth’s bushland on New Year’s Eve has been charged after sparking a bushfire that threatened homes in the city’s east end.

More than 2,000 homes and businesses lost power as a fire east of Perth airport in Western Australia approached properties near Maida Vale, Forrestfield and Kalamunda, police said on Thursday.

The fire was still burning Thursday afternoon, contained but not contained; Firefighters have warned that a change in weather conditions poses a possible new threat to lives and homes.

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Arson investigators have charged a 19-year-old man from Kalamunda with breach of duty after he allegedly sparked a fire by throwing fireworks into dry grass just after midnight.

Police said the fire “rapidly increased in intensity” and multiple fire crews and police with helicopter support worked throughout the night to bring the blaze under control.

More than 160 firefighters battled the blaze and destroyed more than 25 hectares of native woodland as the fire moved westward, near the city’s main airport.

The emergency escalated Thursday as temperatures soared and fire threatened homes and property; Before downgrading the Emergency WA alert to a watch and act alert.

An evacuation center has been opened at High Wycombe Community and Recreation Center as fire conditions are constantly changing and residents are alarmed.

“There is a fire barrier around the fire but there is still a significant risk to the community,” incident controller Paul Postma said Thursday morning.

“Power lines were burned, trees were burned.

“It’s still not under control, we’re keeping the fire contained in a box; it’s contained within mineral earth brakes placed by the bulldozers and front-end loaders, and it will be a few hours before we can be sure we have the fire under control.”

Authorities urged residents to be careful, and several structures, including fences and a shed, were thought to have been destroyed, but no homes were reportedly lost in the fire.

The teenager charged in connection with the incident was due to appear in Perth magistrates’ court on Thursday.