Kwinana Freeway bushfire: Traffic chaos as fire burns near Mount Henry Bridge in Mount Pleasant
Traffic on Kwinana Freeway was brought to a standstill after a bushfire erupted near Mount Henry Bridge in the Perth suburb of Mount Pleasant. The fire, which ignited on Wednesday afternoon, caused significant disruptions as emergency services worked to control the flames. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire.
Main Roads Western Australia issued an alert warning motorists to expect significant delays in both directions as firefighters and emergency crews attended the scene. The chaos unfolded during peak traffic hours, leading to congestion as vehicles were diverted away from the affected area. The southbound lanes were particularly impacted, with some motorists stranded in long queues.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) announced a watch and act warning for the fire, advising residents in the vicinity to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Several firefighting crews were deployed to battle the blaze, which spread through bushland near the freeway. The extent of the fire’s spread and any potential damage to nearby properties have not yet been confirmed.
WA Police urged drivers to avoid the area if possible and to seek alternative routes. Live traffic updates indicated that authorities were working to ease congestion, but the freeway remained heavily impacted well into the evening. Some commuters reported delays of more than an hour due to the ongoing response efforts.
Witnesses described seeing thick smoke billowing over the freeway, causing reduced visibility for motorists. Some individuals reported experiencing breathing difficulties due to the smoke, while others noted the intense presence of emergency service personnel in the area.
Emergency services have not reported any injuries linked to the fire. However, authorities have cautioned that bushfire conditions may change rapidly, and residents should stay updated via official channels.
DFES has not provided an estimated timeframe for when the situation will be fully contained. Crews are expected to monitor the area overnight to prevent flare-ups. Motorists and local residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to any further instructions from emergency services.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and it is not yet known whether foul play, weather conditions, or accidental ignition played a role. Further updates from authorities are expected as the situation develops.
The incident has prompted renewed warnings about fire safety, particularly during hot and dry conditions. Officials have reminded residents to ensure their properties are fire-ready and to review bushfire survival plans.
For now, emergency services continue to work at the scene, with efforts focused on ensuring that the fire is fully contained and that traffic disruptions are minimised as much as possible.
References:
– PerthNow: https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/traffic/kwinana-freeway-bushfire-traffic-chaos-as-fire-burns-near-mount-henry-bridge-in-mount-pleasant-c-17632026
– ABC News
– The West Australian
– Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia
– Main Roads Western Australia