Name: Perth teenager charged after allegedly starting bushfire
Uploaded: 2026-01-01T06:23:18.224Z
Duration: 1 min 3 s
Description: A teenager accused of tossing a firecracker into Perth bushland on New Year’s Eve has been charged after it sparked a bushfire that threatened homes on the city’s eastern fringe.

A teenager accused of tossing a firecracker into Perth bushland on New Year’s Eve has been charged after it sparked a bushfire that threatened homes on the city’s eastern fringe.

Perth

Authorities in Perth, Western Australia, report that a 19-year-old has been charged after allegedly throwing a firecracker into dry grass, igniting a bushfire that threatened homes and forced about 50 residents to evacuate. The incident, which occurred just after midnight, also resulted in power outages for approximately 2,000 properties and required a significant emergency response, including firefighting crews and water bombers.

This was one of two major fires in the region within a 24-hour period, with another blaze starting in the northern suburbs and prompting further shelter warnings. Officials stated that resources remain deployed at a high level to ensure community safety, and the 19-year-old is expected to appear in court.

Perth teenager charged after allegedly starting bushfire

Friday officers say the 19-year-old threw the cracker into dry grass, which quickly set fire to nearby bushland. It happened just after midnight, the blaze coming dangerously close to homes and forcing about 50 residents to flee. It also knocked out power to around 2,000 properties. It prompted a large emergency response, multiple firefighting crews and water bombers working throughout the night and today it's one of two fires which have threatened properties in the past 24 hours. Another started yesterday afternoon in the northern suburbs. Residents there also urged to seek shelter as the out-of-control blaze tore through bushland. The resources have been working hard at a number of fires, but they're certainly continuing to work hard and I'm not concerned about having the level of resources we've got there. We will keep more fire trucks than we need there until it's safe for community. Jay, the 19-year-old charged over last night's fire is due in court today. Thanks for the update, Grace.

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