THE recent Beechina bushfire has highlighted ongoing bushfire risk across the Perth Hills, after a blaze threatened homes in the Shire of Mundaring.
The fire burned through bushland and prompted emergency warnings as crews worked to contain it, with residents told there was a possible threat to lives and homes as conditions changed.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) District Officer Shaun Champ said the fire was accidentally ignited by machinery about 2.15pm on Wednesday, March 11.
Authorities later downgraded the alert level, with the fire brought under control.
Volunteer bushfire brigades were among those responding to the incident, with crews working in challenging conditions.
The blaze also had a significant environmental impact, with about three million bees killed after 50 hives were destroyed.
In a statement shared online, the Shire of Mundaring said it had been in contact with affected residents to check on their wellbeing and offer support where practical.
“We understand this has been a difficult time for those impacted and our thoughts are with the community,” the shire said.
The shire also described the incident as “a timely reminder to stay informed and prepared”.
DFES continues to urge residents in bushfire-prone areas, including the Perth Hills, to prepare their properties and have a bushfire survival plan in place.
Emergency warnings issued during the fire advised residents to stay alert, monitor conditions and be ready to act if the situation worsened.
The Perth Hills is considered a high-risk bushfire area, with dense vegetation and steep terrain contributing to fire behaviour.
DFES advises residents to reduce fuel around their homes, maintain firebreaks and stay informed through official channels during emergencies.
The environmental impact of the Beechina blaze has also drawn attention, with beekeeper Dave Leyland, whose hives were destroyed in the fire, saying the loss would impact the beekeeping and pollination industry.
DFES and the Shire of Mundaring continue to assess the impact of the blaze.
