Champion Lakes fire: Drone suspends air support, DFES warns public from flying them in area

Water bombers fighting the Champion Lakes bushfire were forced to divert due to a drone flying in the area, leaving firefighters unable to douse the raging blaze from above.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services confirmed air support from planes and helicopters which had been sent to dump water on the flames in the area were called away after reports of a drone nearby about 2.25pm on Tuesday.

At least two helitaks and two water bombers were unable to fly in the area for about 20 minutes.

WA Police were alerted to the drone disruption but said no arrests had been made as of Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze erupted at the rear of a semi-rural property near Mustang Road about 4pm on Monday, so far burning at least 220 hectares of vegetation and private farming land.

It has caused minor structure damage, killed livestock and forced the partial closure of Tonkin Highway between Ranford Road and Corfield Street.

After some relief overnight, the blaze picked up again on Tuesday.

A DFES spokeswoman said flying drones near a bushfire posed a “major safety risk” and “hindered” firefighting efforts.

“Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires as it can hinder firefighting efforts and put lives at risk,” she said.

Residents near the blaze have been on alert since it started.

People bounded by Southern River Road, Corfield Street, Tonkin Highway and Ranford Road in the suburbs of Champion Lakes, Southern River and Gosnells were urged to leave if safe on Tuesday afternoon, as a watch act alert was in place.

The bushfire was moving fast in a westerly direction and remained out of control and unpredictable.

Anyone evacuating should leave in a northerly direction via Holmes Street.

Two teenagers, both aged 14, have been charged with arson over the blaze and fronted Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday.

WA Police launched an investigation in December 2023 into a drone operator who halted firefighters for an hour in Lancelin.

Drone pilots can face fines of up to $9000 for breaching CASA regulations and fines of up to $50,000 under the Emergency Management Act.

To report suspicious behaviour, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.