Authorities have confirmed homes were damaged and at least 15 hectares of land burned after a fast-moving bushfire tore through parts of Ellenbrook, in Perth’s north-east, prompting evacuations, power outages, and a major emergency response.
The blaze sparked widespread concern on Thursday afternoon as flames raced dangerously close to residential streets, forcing families to flee and firefighters to defend homes under extreme conditions. After several tense hours, the situation has since improved, with authorities downgrading the emergency warning late in the afternoon.
Fire Downgraded, But Residents Urged to Remain Cautious
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) confirmed just minutes ago that the bushfire has been downgraded to an “Advice – Return with Caution” warning, indicating the fire is now stationary, contained, and under control.
However, residents have been urged to remain vigilant.
DFES warned that embers may still be present, particularly in roof spaces, air-conditioning units, gutters, and surrounding bushland. Authorities stressed that Triple Zero (000) should be called immediately if smoke or flames are detected.
Emergency crews remain active in the area, and residents have been advised to drive slowly and follow all directions from emergency personnel.
Rapid Spread Sparks Emergency Warning
The fire broke out earlier on Thursday in bushland near Ellenbrook, quickly escalating due to gusty winds and dry conditions. An emergency warning was issued at 3.19pm, as flames advanced toward homes in several streets.
Within minutes, thick smoke blanketed the suburb, while helicopters and water-bombing aircraft were deployed overhead in an effort to slow the fire’s advance.
Residents described chaotic scenes as wind shifts pushed flames directly toward houses, leaving little time to react.
Homes Damaged as Firefighters Battle Blaze
DFES incident controller Tim McGrade confirmed that multiple homes sustained damage, though the full extent is still being assessed.
At the height of the emergency:
- Around 75 firefighting crews were deployed
- Firefighting aircraft conducted repeated water drops
- Ground crews established containment lines to halt the spread
Earlier warnings remained at Watch and Act, with authorities stating the fire was uncontrolled and uncontained, making it unsafe for residents to return.
Terrifying Moments for Local Families
Residents living near the fire front described harrowing moments as flames came within metres of their homes.
A family on Addingham Drive recalled watching angry flames surge through nearby bushland, driven by a sudden wind change around 3.20pm. With the fire bearing down on them, they fled inside their home as crews fought to protect the street.
Elsewhere, dramatic footage captured flames licking dangerously close to fences and houses, underscoring how quickly the situation deteriorated.
Volunteer Firefighter Forced to Shelter in His Own Home
Among the most confronting stories to emerge was that of Matt Beilken, an Ellenbrook father and volunteer firefighter.
While responding to the bushfire, Mr Beilken was forced to abandon firefighting efforts and shelter inside his own home as flames surged toward his property.
He managed to evacuate his two young children and family dog to a neighbour’s house just minutes before the fire arrived.
“Initially it was moving in a northerly direction, then the wind changed and it came straight at my house,” he said.
With flames approaching his garage, Mr Beilken went into full defence mode, using hoses to wet down his carport and surrounding areas.
“This is the first time I’ve ever had to defend a house—and it was my own,” he said.
His bushfire survival plan, combined with quick action and the efforts of fellow firefighters, is believed to have helped save the property.
Power Outages Impact Dozens of Homes
The fire also caused widespread power disruptions, with Western Power confirming outages affecting at least 68 homes in the Ellenbrook area.
Western Power initially estimated electricity would be restored by 9.30pm, though restoration timelines remained dependent on fire conditions and crew safety.
Residents were advised to prepare for extended outages and avoid downed power lines or damaged infrastructure.
Evacuations and Safe Exit Routes
During the peak of the emergency, DFES provided specific evacuation guidance for residents needing to leave the area.
- Residents on Elmridge Parkway were advised to travel south
- Residents on the northern end of Farmaner Parkway were directed east
Authorities repeatedly stressed that it was not safe to return while the fire remained active, a message reinforced by ongoing spot fires and shifting conditions.
Firefighting Effort Praised
As conditions stabilised, authorities praised the coordinated response of firefighters, volunteers, aerial crews, and emergency services.
Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft played a crucial role in slowing the fire’s advance, while ground crews worked tirelessly to protect homes and establish containment lines.
Images from the scene showed firefighters battling intense heat just metres from houses, highlighting the narrow margins that prevented more widespread destruction.
Community Relief as Threat Eases
As the emergency warning was downgraded, residents expressed relief—but also exhaustion—after hours of uncertainty.
Families who had evacuated began cautiously returning to assess damage, while others waited anxiously for official clearance. Many credited the rapid response of emergency services with preventing a far worse outcome.
Authorities have confirmed no loss of life, a result described as a testament to early warnings, community compliance, and frontline efforts.
Ongoing Risks Remain
Despite the improved situation, DFES warned that hot, windy conditions could cause flare-ups, particularly if embers reignite dry vegetation.
Residents are urged to:
- Check roofs, gutters, and yards for embers
- Remain alert overnight
- Follow official DFES updates
Emergency crews are expected to remain on site into the evening to monitor conditions.
