Gwelup Bushfire Threat Eases as Firefighters Gain Control

Residents in Perth‘s northern suburb of Gwelup experienced a tense evening as a bushfire threatened homes and properties on the edge of the prestigious Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

The fire was initially reported at the corner of Wanstead Street and Porter Street around 5:30 pm, spreading quickly due to scorching temperatures and dry bushland.

Firefighters from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services worked tirelessly for over 90 minutes to contain the blaze, which reached heights of 15 meters, dangerously close to the back fences of homes in the exclusive Spiderlily Mews estate.

As the fire escalated, a Watch and Act warning was issued, urging residents to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Multiple firefighting crews, supported by helicopters, battled the flames on the ground and from the air to bring the situation under control.

Concerns arose among residents as reports suggested a house may have caught fire during the intense afternoon winds that fanned the flames towards residential areas.

The high temperatures, reaching up to 43 degrees in the region, exacerbated the already hazardous conditions, with fears mounting that the fire may have been deliberately lit.

In the midst of the emergency response, Western Power reported unplanned power outages affecting customers in Karrinyup, Duncraig, Gwelup, Warwick, Hillarys, and Carine, further complicating the situation for residents and emergency services.

While the immediate danger subsided and the fire was eventually deemed under control, investigators were called in to determine the cause of the blaze, which had already consumed a wooden bridge in the Lake Gwelup reserve bushland.