A bushfire that forced evacuations in Perth's eastern hills on Thursday afternoon has been downgraded from an emergency warning to a Watch and Act. Residents who left are still being told it is not safe to go back to their homes in Kalamunda, Lesmurdie and Forrestfield.
The fire was first reported about 1.20pm on Thursday 29 October 2026 near Holmes Road in Forrestfield. It is being treated as suspicious, according to PerthNow.
From emergency warning to Watch and Act
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a bushfire emergency warning about 3.20pm. It covered people in the area around Bird Road, Panoramic Terrace, Ozone Terrace, Yorna Road and Alpine Road in Kalamunda. A second warning area ran along Holmes Road, Orange Valley Road and the Whistlepipe Gully Trail into Lesmurdie and Forrestfield.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes." - DFES spokesperson
By 4.31pm Emergency WA showed both areas at Watch and Act level. DFES said "fire activity has decreased."
For people near Bird Road, Panoramic Terrace and Alpine Road in Kalamunda, the advice is now to monitor conditions. For the wider area around W Terrace Walk, Holmes Road, Whistlepipe Gully Trail and Orange Valley Road, the message is that it is not safe to return. DFES warns of fallen trees, fallen powerlines and other hazards left by the fire.
Photo: Aussie Oc via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). File photo from a 2015 fire at Mount Solus, not today's Kalamunda fire.
Crews on the ground
PerthNow reported that nearly 20 DFES crews were at the fire. Career Fire and Rescue, the Parks and Wildlife Service, volunteer fire and rescue crews and Bush Fire Service volunteers were all helping. When the emergency warning was issued, the fire was not contained or controlled. There were no reports of injuries or damaged property.
Holmes Road was closed between Maud Road and Wandoo Road. Drivers have been asked to stay out of the area, slow down and watch for emergency vehicles.
What to do now
If you are still in the area, DFES says to:
- stay alert and keep an eye on your surroundings, because conditions can change
- keep doors and windows shut, and turn off evaporative air conditioners (run water through them if you can)
- keep patrolling your property and putting out spot fires if you are defending it
- have your emergency kit ready, and leave now if you find it hard to move quickly
If you have already left, do not go back until DFES says it is safe. Follow the Emergency WA website or app for the latest warnings, or call the DFES information line on 13 33 37.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor (CC BY-SA 3.0). File photo of Kalamunda Road.
On Perth Reddit
The emergency warning was shared in full on r/perth soon after it was issued, and a separate post linking the PerthNow report was also posted.
This is a developing story. Warning levels may have changed since publication. Always check Emergency WA.
Sources: Emergency WA (DFES), PerthNow, r/perth.
Photo (top): Honeydew64 via Wikimedia Commons (CC0). File photo of Kalamunda National Park.
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