A 19-year-old man has been formally charged in Western Australia following a significant bushfire, allegedly ignited by fireworks, which tore through bushland on the eastern fringes of Perth as the new year began.
Fire Erupts Amid Dangerous Conditions
The blaze broke out shortly after midnight on New Year's Eve in native bushland near the suburbs of Maida Vale and Forrestfield, located east of Perth Airport. Fuelled by strong winds and tinder-dry conditions, the fire escalated rapidly, prompting urgent emergency warnings.
Authorities instructed residents in the path of the flames to evacuate or seek immediate shelter. More than 160 firefighters were deployed to combat the inferno, supported by police and aerial water-bombing helicopters in a major emergency response.
Widespread Impact and Legal Action
The fire consumed over 25 hectares of native bushland, damaging fences and a shed. While no homes were destroyed, the incident had severe consequences. Power was cut to more than 2,000 homes and businesses as the fire encroached, and an evacuation centre was established at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre as a precaution.
Arson investigators subsequently charged the teenager, identified as Luke Joseph Grguric from Kalamunda. He faces one count of failing to ensure an ignition source would not cause an uncontrollable fire, after allegedly throwing a firecracker into dry grass.
Court Proceedings and Continued Danger
Appearing in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, prosecutors described the resulting blaze as "tantamount to a catastrophic event", arguing Mr Grguric had been "recklessly negligent". His defence lawyer stated his client panicked but then made "concerted efforts to extinguish the fire" before alerting neighbours and emergency services. The teen was granted bail and is scheduled to return to court later this month.
By Thursday afternoon, the fire was reported as contained but not fully controlled. Incident controller Paul Postma cautioned that the danger persisted, stating: "We currently have the fire inside a box; we are slowly winning the war to put the fire out but the fire is still quite active." Emergency services warned that changing weather conditions could still pose a renewed risk.
A Stark Warning During High-Risk Season
This incident underscores heightened bushfire dangers across Western Australia during the summer period. Authorities have repeatedly warned that careless or reckless behaviour during hot, dry conditions can endanger lives, property, and emergency responders.
The case follows another recent charge, where a man was accused over a Christmas Day bushfire in Byford that burned tens of thousands of square metres during extreme heat. These events highlight the critical importance of fire safety and adherence to total fire bans.
