What is the current status of the High Wycombe fire?

Firefighters have extinguished the blaze, and DFES WA has downgraded alerts. The evacuation centre has closed, and authorities report no ongoing threat to homes. Crews will continue patrols to address any hotspots. Residents should keep checking official updates while heat and wind persist through the week.

Was Roe Highway reopened after the closure?

The Roe Highway closure caused heavy delays as crews secured the area. With the fire out, congestion has eased in parts, but residual delays can continue after major incidents. Drivers and freight operators should check official traffic channels for current status and factor in buffer time for deliveries.

Are insurers likely to face significant claims from this event?

Near-term insurer exposure looks limited because alerts were downgraded and the threat has passed. Some smaller claims are still possible, such as smoke or minor property impacts. The larger market risk is ongoing heatwave conditions that can increase event frequency and costs later in summer.

How can investors track Perth bushfire risk through summer?

Monitor DFES WA warnings, local council posts, and Bureau of Meteorology heatwave notices. Follow company updates from logistics and retail operators that rely on Roe Highway and nearby corridors. Check for commentary on delivery times, overtime costs, and any temporary network changes during high-risk weather.

Law and Government

January 08: High Wycombe Fire Out; Roe Highway Closure Snarls Traffic

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

The High Wycombe fire is out after emergency warnings and a Roe Highway closure that caused heavy delays across Perth’s east. DFES WA downgraded alerts and closed the evacuation centre, with no ongoing threat to homes reported. For investors, insurer exposure looks limited near term, but heatwave conditions keep bushfire risk elevated across Australia. We outline what happened, sector impacts, and what to watch as summer peaks. This update focuses on clear facts and practical takeaways for Australian readers.