Full Breakdown
Arson-Linked Bushfire Forces Temporary Closure of Perth Airport
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On Thursday afternoon, a rapidly spreading bushfire ignited along a firebreak on Holmes Road and Whistlepipe Court in the Perth suburbs of Forrestfield, Kalamunda and Lesmurdie. The blaze threatened homes and prompted emergency evacuations for residents in the area. By the same afternoon, the fire caused a massive power outage at Perth Airport, halting all landings and forcing several flights to be delayed or have passengers disembark.
02
Timeline
- 1:30 pm – 1:40 pm (Thursday) – The fire is reported as “out-of-control” and emergency warnings are issued.
- Afternoon – Firefighters battle the blaze through parts of Mundy Regional Park; roads remain closed for several hours.
- Later that afternoon – Perth Airport experiences a complete loss of power and suspends operations.
- Saturday – Western Australia Police announce the arrest of a 41-year-old woman from Kalamunda in connection with the arson.
03
Official Response
Western Australia Police, through a spokesperson for Strike Force Vulcan, confirmed that officers had charged the woman with wilfully lighting a fire likely to injure or damage. The police statement detailed that the suspect allegedly used a mobile heat source to ignite multiple fires along the firebreak between 1:30 pm and 1:40 pm. The accused is scheduled to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Saturday. Police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers WA.
04
Impact on Community and Aviation
The emergency evacuation affected residents of Forrestfield, Kalamunda and Lesmurdie, who were unable to return to their homes for several hours. The power outage at Perth Airport disrupted scheduled flights, with some passengers required to disembark and others experiencing delays. No injuries were reported, but the fire posed an immediate threat to nearby homes.
05
Legal Proceedings
The 41-year-old Kalamunda woman faces a charge of wilfully lighting or causing a fire likely to injure or damage. Her court appearance is set for the upcoming Saturday at Perth Magistrates Court, where the case will be heard alongside any further investigations by Strike Force Vulcan.