A massive fire burning near several apartments in central Perth has been brought under control.
The suspicious fire caught blaze near the popular 240-step Jacob’s Ladder staircase in Kings Park at about 2.45pm on Thursday.
Western Police Arson Squad are investigating the incident, which started near Cliff St.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Michael Della Posta said fire crews from four different stations attended the scene along with four firefighting aircraft.
A large fire near Jacob’s Ladder (above) in central Perth was brought under control shortly after 4pm on Thursday
The fire (above) raged near several high-rise apartment buildings and residents were urged to evacuate
Western Police Arson Squad are investigating the suspicious fire (above) which started near Cliff St at about 2.45pm
‘They were assisted by assets from air intelligence and water bombing aircraft, the fire was declared under control at 4.20pm,’ he said.
‘Crews will be here for a few more hours mopping up the fire and conducting patrols into the night and tomorrow morning.
‘Once the area is declared safe, the updated information will pass through on the Emergency WA website.’
A bushfire watch and act alert was issued on Thursday afternoon and residents west of the Mitchell Freeway were asked to evacuate.
The fire came close to several high-rise buildings with photos showing firefighters fending off flames from apartment balconies.
‘This fire was coming up the hill and obviously fire increases speed coming uphill, so there was an element of danger for the residents,’ Insp Posta said.
‘That’s why crews attended the top of the hill first to provide asset protection for those buildings.’
Jacob’s Ladder is an iconic stairway that connects residential areas with Perth’s Botanic Garden and Kings Park.
It’s 240-step climb is popular with both tourists and locals.
It is not known if the landmark was damaged in Thursday’s fire.
Firefighters were seen battling the fire (above) from the balconies of nearby apartment buildings
The fire (above) follows several other suspicious fires in Kings Park last week, which the WA Arson Squad is investigating
‘At the moment, it appears as if there is no damage to Jacob’s Ladder however, Jacob’s Ladder will remain closed tonight and will be assessed by City of Perth workers tomorrow,’ Insp Posta said.
The news comes as the WA Arson Squad continues its investigation other suspicious fires at Kings Park.
Last Tuesday the park was closed after authorities declared several bushfires around the park were a ‘possible threat to lives and homes’.
More to come.