Teen’s Firework Use Causes Bushfire Emergency

A 19-year-old man has been charged with breach of duty after allegedly throwing a firecracker into bushland on New Year’s Eve, igniting a fire that threatened homes near Maida Vale, Forrestfield, and Kalamunda, east of Perth Airport. The blaze led to power outages for about 800 homes and prompted the establishment of an evacuation center. Firefighters worked overnight to contain the fire, which destroyed over 25 hectares of bushland. The teenager is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court.

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