Champion Lakes bushfire: Two 14-year-old boys charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to property

Two 14-year-old boys have been charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a property in Champion Lakes, sparking a major bushfire in Perth’s south east. Police say the teens set fire to a semi-rural property near Mustang Road about 4pm on Monday afternoon, before calling triple-0 after failing to extinguish the blaze themselves. The fire — which forced the closure of Tonkin Road between Ranford Road and Corfield Street — caused “extensive damage” to more than 150ha of vegetation and private farming area. Police say there have been unconfirmed reports of minor structure damage and death of an “unknown amount” of livestock. The boys were arrested at Armadale Police Station and have each been charged with one count of wilfully lighting a bushfire. They are due to front Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday. People in the area surrounded by Verna Street, Passmore Street, Corfield Street, Eileen Street, Seaforth Avenue, Koorden Close, Lake Road and Ranford Road — in Champion Lakes, Southern River and Gosnells — were urged to remain alert as the blaze burned out of control on Monday night. The blaze was contained by 8.30pm before authorities downgraded the fire to a watch-and-act level, meaning lives and homes were no longer at immediate risk. Tonkin Highway reopened on Tuesday morning, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services confirming the blaze was under control. “The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as it is now contained and under control,” DFES said. “There is no threat to lives or homes.” Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully. Firefighters are still patrolling the area mopping up.