Residents in Perth’s southern suburbs have been urged to “leave now” as an uncontrolled bushfire sweeps through the City of Rockingham, threatening homes and disrupting train services.
Emergency crews are fighting a massive fire, with a “watch and act” alert active for areas in Cooloongup, Waikiki, and Warnbro.
People without a bushfire survival plan have been instructed to evacuate immediately, as flying embers pose a serious risk of starting spot fires near properties.
“Make final preparations now and begin patrolling your property to extinguish any spot fires,” the alert stated.
“If you intend to leave, depart immediately.”
A Transperth spokesperson confirmed that train services between Rockingham and Mandurah have been suspended and replaced with buses due to the fire burning in bushland alongside the rail line.
Commuters heading to Yanchep have been advised to expect significant delays extending north to Perth.
“Trains are still operating but not on their normal timetable,” the spokesperson said.
“Please allow additional travel time and note that delayed trains may miss connections with scheduled bus and train services.”
Multiple roads in the vicinity remain closed while around 100 firefighters and volunteers work to contain the blaze, which is moving in a north-northwesterly direction. Aerial support is also being deployed.
The fire was first reported around 7:08 pm on Monday near Warnbro train station.
