Champion Lakes fire: Bushfire alleged to have been lit by 14-year-old boys upgraded to watch and act

Residents in Perth’s south have been urged to evacuate after a bushfire was upgraded to watch and act.

The fire in Champion Lakes, which is alleged to have been lit by two 14-year-old boys, started on Monday and sparked up again on Tuesday morning.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services escalated the bushfire — which started near Mustang Road about 4pm — on Tuesday for people surrounded by Southern River Road, Corfield Street, Tonkin Highway and Ranford Road and parts of Champion Lakes, Southern River and Gosnells.

Firefighters had contained the blaze by 8.30pm on Monday but about 10.20am on Tuesday, DFES confirmed that it was again “out of control and unpredictable”.

“If your plan is to leave, leave now,” DFES said.

“If you plan to stay and defend, ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply.

“Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.”

Residents have been urged to leave in a northerly direction along Holmes Road.

Meanwhile, DFES has also downgraded the fire to return with caution for residents living in the area surrounded by Tonkin Highway, Albany Highway, Lake Road and Ranford Road and parts of Champion Lakes, Southern River and Gosnells.

“There is no threat to lives or homes within the advice area,” DFES said.

The fire has already caused “extensive damage” to more than 150ha of vegetation and private farming area.

Police confirmed that two teenagers had been arrested and charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a semi-rural property near Mustang Road.

They are due to front Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday.