Firefighting operations in Perth’s southern suburbs are being severely restricted by unexploded ordnance as an uncontrolled bushfire continues to endanger properties in the City of Rockingham.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) incident controller Leigh Bishop described tough conditions due to shifting winds, difficult terrain, and abundant dry fuel.
He noted that the blaze, which has scorched around 50 hectares in a park reserve, remains uncontained and uncontrolled.
“The presence of unexploded ordnance prevents us from using certain machinery and standard tactics,” Bishop explained.
“As a result, we’re depending heavily on aerial resources to suppress the fire, while ground crews provide support where it’s safe to do so.”
DFES Assistant Commissioner Stuart Wade said the fire ignited near Warnbro train station around 7pm on Monday and rapidly intensified due to strong winds and high fuel loads.
Crews worked overnight to curb its spread and safeguard key infrastructure, including the station.
“No homes have been damaged so far, but the fire is still uncontained and uncontrolled,” Wade reported.
“Approximately 140 career and volunteer firefighters are on the ground, supported by aerial operations involving four helitaks and three fixed-wing aircraft dropping fire retardant to establish containment lines in inaccessible areas.”
Wade added that the fire is advancing north-northwest, with gusty winds triggering flare-ups and ember attacks ahead of the main front.
A wind change is forecast around 3pm, urging residents to monitor updates via Emergency WA.
Several roads are closed, and train services on the Mandurah Line have been disrupted.
A Transperth spokesperson confirmed that buses are replacing trains between Rockingham and Mandurah due to the fire burning near the tracks.
Commuters travelling to Yanchep should expect delays extending to northern Perth.
“Trains are operating but not on schedule,” the spokesperson said.
“Allow extra time for journeys, as delays may affect connections with buses and other services.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
