A BUSHFIRE in the northern parts of Malmalling is still active even after 14 days since it was first reported and emergency services attended the site.

According to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) the incident was reported on May 1, at about 3.30pm and was being managed by the Shire of Mundaring.

DFES said the bushfire was contained, and there was no threat to lives or homes but there was a lot of smoke in the area.

Mundaring chief bushfire control officer Tom Belger said firebreaks and natural features such as rocky outcrops have helped with keeping the fire controlled.

“Hotspots, such as burning logs and other large fuels are still present within the already burnt area, but they do not pose a threat,” he said.

Mr Belger said the incident was first attended by the shire’s fire protection officers, who were then followed by volunteer bushfire brigades, DBCA parks and wildlife service firefighters and neighbouring volunteer brigades.

“Firefighters have employed a range of suppression strategies, including grounding crews in fire trucks, aerial suppression, hand tools and heavy machinery to improve existing containment lines,” he said.

However, due to the rugged terrain, Mr Belger said machinery access to some areas was limited.

Mr Belger confirmed the incident was not a peat fire as it was not in peat-forming terrain.

“A fire would be considered a peat fire if it was burning underground in accumulated organic soil layers, such as those found in peatlands, wetlands, swamps or drainage basins,” he said.

“These types of fires are typically identified by persistent smoke with no visible flames and require specialist suppression techniques.

“This classification does not apply.

“Firefighters continue to monitor the area through daily ground patrols and aerial surveillance.”

Mr Belger said the cause had not been confirmed but it was suspected to be the result of an escaped or unattended campfire.

According to the DBCA, campfires are permitted with seasonal restrictions and only in provided fire pits.

To find campfire permitted sites please visit
https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/current-campfire-conditions