WA Police are continuing to appeal for information about a bushfire, which started on New Year’s Day and burned through 800ha in the Perth Hills before being contained by the evening of January 2.

The fire started near the intersection of Carter Road in The Lakes just after 2pm on January 1 with police and Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) members arriving at about 2.20pm.

More than 150 firefighters fought the Carter Road blaze, with more than 80 appliances on the ground.
Crews were supported by aerial resources, including helitaks, fixed-wing water bombers and the large air tanker.

One unoccupied house was destroyed by the bushfire.

Another five non-residential buildings, which includes sheds, machinery in sheds and a greenhouse were also destroyed.

Another 24 properties and infrastructure were assessed and had either minor damage or no damage.

Acacia and Wooroloo prisons were within the warning zone but were not under direct threat.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services operations deputy commissioner Craig Waters said the response to the fire was strong.

“Career and volunteer firefighters did an outstanding job protecting communities from a fast-moving bushfire in the Perth Hills that started on New Year’s Day,” he said.

“Firefighters faced challenging conditions including hot, dry weather and strong winds but were able to reduce the threat of the fire later that evening, working through the night to build containment lines to stop its progress and fully containing it late on January 2.

“The ferocity and fast-moving nature of this fire is a reminder of why it is important to make key decisions about when you will leave in an emergency, where you will go and how you will get there – it only takes 15 minutes using the free My Bushfire Plan app or website.

“Don’t leave the planning until a fire is threatening you – it only takes 15 minutes for a fire to cut off your evacuation route.”

The cause of the fire remains undetermined and WA Police are urging anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au

Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist.