Broome bushfires treated as suspicious as crews monitor Waterbank area

Natasha Clark
Natasha Clark Published July 27, 2026 at 11.30am (AWST)

Authorities are treating two bushfires burning north of Broome as suspicious after they ignited at the weekend.

Both fires burnt in the Waterbank area, north of the Broome town centre.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says there is no immediate threat to lives or homes, but smoke continues to linger and drivers are being urged to stay alert.

Yawuru, the Native Title holders and Traditional Owners of the Broome region, said it was also monitoring a fire near the eastern boundary of Gumaranganyjal, also known as Roebuck Plains Station.

Yawuru says there is no immediate threat to station operations, but acknowledges the fire has unsettled staff, neighbouring properties, local communities and Traditional Owners.

"There has been some discussion within the community regarding backburning activities," they said.

Yawuru said the backburning being carried out by emergency services was a deliberate firefighting strategy used to strengthen containment lines, reduce fuel and protect lives, property, infrastructure and Country.

The organisation thanked firefighters, volunteers and emergency crews who have spent days battling the flames.

Locals are being urged to report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers and to follow updates from DFES and Emergency WA.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.