Two-hour delay in bushfire alert being investigated
A long delay alerting residents to a bushfire that came close to homes in Perth is being investigated.
Concerned locals posted video of the blaze in Aveley on Saturday afternoon to social media, two hours before the Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an advice.
“There was another fire just north of Aveley at Chittering, which I think caused some confusion, but we’re getting to the bottom of it and I’m asking the department to indicate why that notice wasn’t issued earlier,” Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan said on Monday.
Residents close to the fire revealed it was apparent from the start of the blaze that it posed a significant threat.
“You could see the intensity was there,” resident Greg Carver said.
“It was scary, it was really loud… the heat was just intense.”
The fire was reported at 3.30pm, but it wasn’t until two hours later a warning was issued, with the Department saying their first priority was protecting homes and people.
Firefighters were at the scene on Sunday to control any further flare ups, while crews will remain alert over the coming days.
The arson squad is investigating what caused the fire.
