A teenager accused of tossing a firecracker into bushland on New Year’s Eve has been charged after it sparked a bushfire threatening homes.
About 800 homes and businesses lost power as the fire, east of Perth Airport in Western Australia, approached properties near Maida Vale, Forrestfield, and Kalamunda.
Arson investigations charged a 19-year-old man with breach of duty after he allegedly threw a firecracker into dry grass just after midnight, igniting the blaze.
The emergency escalated on Thursday as temperatures rose and the fire threatened homes and property before Emergency WA downgraded its warning to a watch and act alert.
An evacuation centre was opened at High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, with residents on alert in changeable fire conditions.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze as it tracks westward, destroying more than 25 hectares of native bushland.
The teenager was expected to front the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
https://thewest.com.au/news/disaster-and-emergency/teens-firecracker-stunt-sparks-bushfire-emergency-c-21176043
