Woman charged over bushfire that forced Perth Airport to close
A 41-year-old woman has been charged with arson after a bushfire closed Perth Airport and forced evacuations.
A fire started Thursday afternoon in the Forrestfield area near Perth. The fire spread rapidly through parts of Mundy Regional Park, forcing emergency evacuations in Forrestfield, Kalamunda and Lesmurdie.
The blaze caused a power outage at Perth Airport, grounding all flights unable to land. Roads remained closed for hours as firefighters battled the flames.
On Saturday, a 41-year-old Kalamunda woman was arrested and charged. Police allege she used a mobile heat source to light multiple fires along a firebreak between 1.30pm and 1.40pm.
She faces court this week.
- 41 years old
- Suspect age
- 1.30pm to 1.40pm Thursday
- Fire window
- Forrestfield, Kalamunda, Lesmurdie
- Affected areas
- Mundy Regional Park
- Park affected
Why it mattersThe fire endangered lives, displaced residents and disrupted air travel. Arson charges are serious and signal criminal intent.
AustraliaThe bushfire shut Perth Airport temporarily, affecting passengers and flights. Residents across Perth's eastern suburbs were evacuated. Police are investigating links to other recent fires.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
