Perth Bushfires Force Evacuations, Disrupt Flights as Crews Battle Extreme Conditions

Evacuations and Emergency Alerts: Perth Communities on Edge

In a dramatic turn for Perth residents, two significant bushfires erupted across the city’s north-east and south-east on December 11, 2025, forcing urgent evacuations and pushing emergency services to their limits. At the height of the crisis, neighborhoods like Kenwick, Wattle Grove, Upper Swan, and Bullsbrook faced direct threats, with authorities issuing emergency warnings and instructing residents to leave or prepare to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

Despite the eventual downgrading of both fires from ’emergency’ to ‘watch and act’, the sense of uncertainty lingered. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) cautioned that lives and homes remained potentially at risk, emphasizing the volatile nature of bushfire conditions. Superintendent Peter Norman underscored the ongoing danger: “It’s still out of control, it’s not contained, so until that is [the case], they need to leave if they’re in an Emergency Warning area, prepare to leave if they’re in a Watch and Act area, have their bushfire plans in place and act accordingly.”

Firefighting Challenges: Thin Resources, Extreme Weather, and Aerial Obstacles

The battle against the flames was as much about overcoming logistical hurdles as it was about fighting the fire itself. With multiple blazes burning simultaneously, firefighting crews had to divide their resources, stretching their capacity thin. “There’s still parts of it there with flames probably up to 10 metres high, and still moving at least a kilometre an hour, and continuously spotting into private property,” Norman reported.

Hot, gusty winds reaching up to 50km/h complicated efforts further, while temperatures soared into the 30s Celsius, creating a tinderbox scenario. Assistant Commissioner Danny Mosconi described the scene as “pretty challenging,” noting that wind direction was expected to shift later that night, potentially reigniting dormant threats or redirecting the fire’s path toward more populated areas.

Aerial support became a critical tool, with planes and helicopters dropping water and fire retardant on active fronts. However, in Kenwick, aerial operations were abruptly grounded after an unauthorized drone was spotted, highlighting the fragile interplay between technology and emergency response. Perth Airport’s main runway was also temporarily closed to accommodate firefighting aircraft, delaying four international flights before operations resumed.

Community Impact: Schools Evacuated, Roads Closed, and Residents Rally

The human cost of the bushfires extended beyond immediate danger. Roads such as Roe Highway and Tonkin Highway were shut, local traffic snarled, and evacuation centers rapidly established at Maddington Community Centre and Swan Active Beechboro. Rehoboth Christian College in Kenwick was evacuated, with students moved to safety—a testament to the effectiveness of local emergency planning.

Local resident Jennie, who has lived in the area for two decades, captured the mood: “Standing here, it’s scary. I’m amazed to see the height of the fire. I have seen a couple of fires, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this extreme.” Her words echoed the anxiety felt across affected communities, many of whom spent hours monitoring news and Emergency WA updates, ready to act as conditions changed.

For those living in semi-rural properties—where sheds and outbuildings were destroyed—the sense of vulnerability was acute. The fire’s reach, flaring up near powerlines and within meters of homes and vehicles, underlined the unpredictable nature of bushfire emergencies.

Causes, Containment Efforts, and the Road Ahead

As firefighting teams gained ground, the Kenwick blaze was reported to have burned approximately 93 hectares. The exact cause remains under investigation. In Bullsbrook, authorities determined the fire was accidentally sparked by machinery—an all-too-common risk in rural areas where heavy equipment operates near bushland.

Containment lines were hastily dug with heavy machinery, even as flames licked the edges of demolition and salvage yards. The Bullsbrook fire, which threatened areas near RAAF Pearce (Western Australia’s main air force base), was eventually halted, though authorities warned of further risks as a wind change approached.

A third fire, igniting in Quellington north of York, was quickly contained, but not fully controlled. The speed and scale of these outbreaks underscored the broader challenge facing Western Australia as bushfire season intensifies.

Fire authorities repeatedly urged residents to remain vigilant, keep up-to-date with official warnings, and have bushfire survival plans ready. As Superintendent Norman reminded the public: “This is our reprieve before the weekend hits. So it’s going to be very important to mop this up.” With extreme weather forecasted for the coming days, the sense of urgency is palpable.

The role of wetlands in the Kenwick area was also discussed. While underground fires can be a hazard in swampy terrain, experts from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) confirmed that the local soils did not present this risk. Still, the wetlands limited where earthmoving equipment could be deployed, posing additional challenges for containment crews.

Community Resilience and Lessons Learned

As Perth recovers from the immediate crisis, attention turns to preparedness and resilience. The quick, coordinated response by schools, local authorities, and residents undoubtedly prevented greater loss. The temporary closure of Perth Airport and diversion of helitankers reflected the scale of the emergency, but also the adaptability of infrastructure in the face of natural disaster.

Looking ahead, fire officials remain on high alert, warning that the upcoming weekend’s extreme temperatures could reignite dormant fires or spark new outbreaks. For many, the events of December 11 serve as a stark reminder of the importance of bushfire planning, community solidarity, and the need for ongoing vigilance as climate and land-use patterns evolve.

Assessment: The Perth bushfires of December 2025 exposed both the strengths and vulnerabilities of local emergency response. While rapid action and community cooperation mitigated damage, the challenges posed by extreme weather, resource constraints, and technological interference highlight areas for improvement. As bushfire seasons grow longer and more severe, preparedness and adaptability will be crucial for safeguarding lives and property.