Dramatic scenes in which fire breaks out on the infamous stairs and threatens lives and homes
- Fire under control in central Perth
A massive fire near several apartments in central Perth has been brought under control.
The suspected fire caught fire near the popular 240-step Jacob’s Ladder stairs in Kings Park at around 2.45pm on Thursday.
Western Australia Police are investigating the incident, which started near Cliff St.
District Fire and Emergency Services Officer Michael Della Posta said firefighters from four different stations responded to the scene.
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 Australia Police are investigating the suspicious fire (above) that started near Cliff St about 2.45pm.
‘They were assisted by means of air intelligence and water bombardment aircraft. The fire was declared under control at 4.20pm,” he said.
“Crews will be here for a few more hours clearing the fire and conducting patrols into the night and tomorrow morning.
‘Once the area has been declared safe, updated information will be posted on the website Emergency WA website.’
A wildfire warning was issued 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 fighting off flames from apartment balconies.
“This fire was coming up the hill and it is clear that fire increases its speed uphill so there was an element of danger to residents,” Insp Posta said.
“That’s why crews went to the top of the hill first to protect the property of those buildings.”
Jacob’s Ladder is an iconic staircase that connects residential areas with the Perth Botanic Garden and Kings Park.
The 240-step climb is popular with tourists and locals alike.
It is not known whether the monument was damaged during Thursday’s fire.
Firefighters were able to fight 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 this time it appears there is no damage to Jacob’s Ladder, however Jacob’s Ladder will remain closed this evening and will be assessed by City of Perth employees tomorrow,” Insp Posta said.
The news comes as the WA Arson Squad continues its investigation into other suspicious fires in Kings Park.
Last Tuesday, the park was closed after authorities declared that several wildfires around the park posed a “potential threat to lives and homes.”
More to come.