January 2, 2026 — 8:11pm
A bushfire that was threatening lives and homes in the Perth hills has been downgraded with firefighters saying the blaze has been contained.
The fire was reported just before 5pm on Friday and residents were told to leave as there was a threat to lives and homes.
The emergency was threatening parts of Boya, Darlington, Greenmount, Helena Valley and Hovea in the Shire of Mundaring.
“Stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change,” they said.
A ‘watch and act’ alert was also in place for people in an area bounded by Clayton Road, Scott Street, Great Eastern Highway, Lionel Road and Glen Road with authorities telling them there is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing.
“If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option,” it read.
An evacuation centre was opened at Brown Park Community Centre in Swan View.
The bushfire was moving in a north-easterly direction.
Aerial support was sent to assist ground crews.
Emergency alerts were issued to locals, telling them to leave in a westerly or easterly direction on the Great Eastern Highway.
“If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place,” alerts read.
“This may be with family or friends away from the area.
“Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
“If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.
“If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.”
Locals have now been told the monitor the situation as conditions may change.