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Perth Teen Charged Over Alleged Firecracker Ignition as Kalamunda Bushfire Downgraded

Police allege a firecracker tossed into dry grass ignited the Kalamunda blaze.

Overview

  • The 19-year-old has been charged with breach of duty and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
  • Police allege he threw a firecracker into dry grass on Temby Avenue just after midnight on New Year’s Day, igniting the bushfire.
  • Firefighters have the blaze contained within fire breaks, with Emergency WA listing a watch-and-act alert and an evacuation centre open at High Wycombe.
  • About 25 hectares burned near Perth Airport as more than 160 firefighters and aerial support held the fire back from homes, with no houses lost but some structures damaged.
  • Power outages were reported across the area, with counts ranging from roughly 800 to more than 2,000 properties.