Champion Lakes fire: Bushfire alleged to have been lit by 14-year ...
A bushfire in Perth’s south has been upgraded to watch and act with at least one home under threat.
The fire in Champion Lakes, which is alleged to have been lit by two 14-year-old boys, started on Monday and has sparked up again.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services escalated the bushfire — which started near Mustang Road about 4pm — on Tuesday morning for people in the area surrounded by Matison Street, Jacana Place, Chamberlain, Verna and Corfield streets, Tonkin Highway, Ranford Road and parts of Margaret Street in Forrestdale, Champion Lakes, Southern River and Gosnells.
Firefighters had contained the blaze by 8.30pm on Monday but about 10.20am on Tuesday, DFES confirmed that it was again “out of control and unpredictable”.
“If your plan is to leave, leave now,” DFES said.
Camera IconA bushfire in Perth’s south has been upgraded to watch and act with at least one home under threat. Credit: Emergency WA“If you plan to stay and defend, ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply.
“Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.”
The fire has already caused “extensive damage” to more than 150ha of vegetation and private farming area.
Police confirmed that two teenagers had been arrested and charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a semi-rural property near Mustang Road.
They are due to front Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday.
