Luxury Vessel Engulfed in Flames at Perth's Hillarys Boat Harbour, Emergency Crews Battle Toxic Smoke

Firefighters Battle Boat Blaze at Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth

Emergency services responded to a significant fire at Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth’s north early on Saturday morning. A boat caught fire, prompting a large response from firefighters and marine rescue services.

Swift Response to a Ferocious Fire

Multiple triple zero calls were received around 10:45 am, reporting a fire aboard a luxurious, moored vessel. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) dispatched approximately 30 firefighters and Sea Rescue personnel to the scene. Thick, black smoke billowed from the vessel, prompting warnings to nearby residents.

The fire was brought under control by approximately 11:30 am, successfully contained to a single boat. Crews remained on the scene throughout the afternoon as a precautionary measure to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

Safety Precautions and Community Impact

Authorities issued a warning to nearby residents to remain indoors and close windows and doors due to the toxic black smoke emanating from the burning boat. Air conditioners were also advised to be switched off. Fortunately, no one was onboard the vessel at the time of the fire.

“As a precautionary measure, people in the area should remain inside, out of the smoke or fumes, with doors and windows closed. Air conditioners should also be switched off,” – WA DFES.

Witness Accounts and Challenges

Nick Cheer, who was fishing with his son near the marina, described witnessing the fire erupt. “My son goes, ‘I think I see flames’. So, we ran up further and had a look. It was just going, black smoke billowing everywhere,” Cheer told The West Australian. He also noted the apparent difficulty firefighters had in accessing the blaze initially.

Boaties were observed assisting firefighters by holding hoses, attempting to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent vessels. Despite their efforts, the fire persisted for several hours.

Ongoing Efforts and Environmental Concerns

DFES district officer Steve Lusk reported that it would take an additional two hours to completely extinguish the fire. Department of Transport personnel with pollution booms were en route to contain potential environmental damage. Firefighters planned to use high expanding foam to fully extinguish the blaze and then secure the vessel.