<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A teenager has been charged after a firecracker was launched into </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/perth" rel="" target="" title="Perth"><span>Perth</span></a><span> bushland during </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/new-years-eve" rel="" target="" title="New Year's Eve"><span>New Year's Eve</span></a><span> celebrations, sparking a dangerous blaze that is threatening lives and homes and cut off power to thousands.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police allege a 19-year-old man threw a firecracker into dry grass in bushland on Temby Avenue, KalamUnda, in the Perth Hills about 25km east of the CBD, about 12.20am.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The firecracker sparked a bushfire almost immediately, which quickly intensified.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/new-years-eve-preparations-australia-getting-ready-to-see-off-2025-sydney-crowds-gathering/3ad3c17e-fc6b-4d10-8d07-43c2b5d75535" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Happy New Year! Australia begins 2026</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A waterbombing helicopter and multiple fire crews were called to try to extinguish the inferno, but it continue to burn into the morning.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An emergency warning was triggered just before 8.30am, urging residents in Maida Vale, Forrestfield and Kalamunda to leave immediately as the blaze spread across 25 hectares of land.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Residents within an area bounded by Norwood Road, Taylor Road, Colac Place, Bird Road, Alpine Road, Wandoo Road, Holmes Road, Lewis Road and Anderson Road were warned that their lives and properties are in danger.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/kalamunda-fire-teen-charged-after-firecracker-sparks-large-blaze-in-perth-hills/c9c6e1a5-162a-4c61-931b-0ea91b39b50a" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area," Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If it is safe to do so, leave in a westerly direction toward Hawtin Road via Maud or Norwood Roads.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The bushfire is currently moving slowly in a westerly direction.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It is contained but not controlled.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/january-1-2026-changes-australia-cash-mandate-welfare-payment-increase-and-end-of-energy-rebates/3ee6f54c-b827-499b-889d-86acec262250"><strong><span>Your guide to all the changes in effect from January 1, 2026</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An evacuation centre has been set up at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, 200 Newburn Road, High Wycombe.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Several roads in the area have been closed, including Temby Road, Holmes Road at Wandoo Road, Norwood Road at Holmes Road and Hawkin Road at Maud Road.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>More than 2000 homes lost power overnight as a result of the blaze.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Power was restored to almost all impacted properties by 9am, according to Western Power.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The 19-year-old man, from Kalamunda has been charged with a breach of duty (of care).</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f"><strong><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></strong></a><strong><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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