'I still feel sick': Man's heartfelt apology after setting ferocious WA fire

A West Australian man has issued a heartfelt apology for accidentally sparking a fire south of Perth.

A Watch and Act was put into place by WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services for parts of Baldivis on Thursday about 12.30pm (local time).

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Superintendent Ray Buchan told the ABC the fire was classed as “accidental”.

It is believed it was started after a wheel came off a trailer and dragged across the roadway.

On Friday, the man responsible, known as James, expressed his remorse to Nine’s Today Show.

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He said he was driving when the wheel-bearing came off, collapsing his trailer, and he tried to put the fire out but couldn’t.

“I sincerely apologise,” he told the Today Show.

“I still feel sick about it now.”

As of about 12.44pm (local time) Friday, a Watch and Act was in place for parts of Mundijong, Kwinana and Rockingham along with surrounding areas.

So far, it’s burnt through more than 300 hectares.

An evacuation centre has opened at Mike Barnett Sports Complex in Rockingham.

With AAP

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