Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Arson squad probe bushfire that threatened theme park
A flare could have sparked a bushfire that threatened homes and patrons at an ice skating rink and a theme park in Perth’s south.
February 21, 2024
The arson squad is investigating if a flare sparked a bushfire that threatened homes and patrons at an ice skating rink and a theme park in Perth’s south.
People in Adventure World and Cockburn Ice Arena in Bibra Lake were told to shelter in place late on Tuesday as the blaze ripped through seven hectares of bushland.
It has since been controlled but not contained, a Department of Fire and Emergency Services alert issued on Wednesday said.
WA Police say the blaze initially started about 2.20am and was extinguished by firefighters.
But it re-ignited about 12 hours later at 2.40pm due to the extreme weather conditions.
“(It) quickly became a significant bushfire, threatening lives and homes,” a spokesman said.
Police said there were unconfirmed reports a flare had been spotted before the fire started early on Tuesday morning.
Investigators want to speak to anyone who saw the flare or any suspicious people in the area between 2am and 2.30am.