Out-of-control Perth bushfire sparks airport chaos with mass power outage

Perth Airport was hit with a mass power outage on Thursday afternoon, causing chaos at every terminal.

Western Power said the blackout was caused by a bushfire that broke out in the Perth Hills.

The outage started just after 3pm (6pm AEDT), affecting operations across arrivals and departures.

Flights continued to come in and out of the city, but some passengers were forced to wait on the tarmac for more than an hour before finally disembarking.

Those trying to fly out were unable to check in, flights were grounded and take-offs delayed.

Services were slowly coming back online on Thursday evening, but delays were continuing with long lines and a pile-up of baggage.

The outage is believed to be linked to the bushfire burning in Kalamunda, which is believed to have been started by a firebug.

The out-of-control blaze in the Perth Hills is burning close to homes and forced residents to evacuate after emergency warnings were issued across Forrestfield, Kalamunda and Lesmurdie.

“It just came up really quickly. We didn’t see anything at all and next thing my husband said ‘I think there’s a fire starting’,” resident Kris Stead told 9News.

Warnings from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services were later downgraded to watch and act.

The first bushfire ahead of summer put authorities to the test after starting just before 1.30pm (4.30pm AEDT).

Holmes Road in Forrestfield was closed for hours with police blocking the street.

While there were no reports of injuries or damage so far, authorities said there was still a possible threat to lives and homes in the changing conditions.

The arson squad is investigating and detectives believe the fire was deliberately lit.

They’re asking for anyone with information or vision of the fire to come forward, particularly anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious around Whistlepipe Court in Forrestfield and Ozone Terrace in Kalamunda.