Charges laid over Port Kennedy, Dudley Park fires

Police have charged a 13-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man over separate bushfires in Dudley Park and Port Kennedy.

The 21-year-old man is accused of abandoning a stolen Kia Rio sedan in bushland near Scientific Park on Port Kennedy Drive before setting it alight on Monday, February 3.

The fire spread from the car to nearby scrub, causing a bushfire that burned for several hours and destroyed three hectares of vegetation.

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The burnt out Kia Rio. PIC: WA Police

The Port Kennedy man has been charged with criminal damage by fire, stealing a motor vehicle and two counts of no authority to drive.

He is next due to appear before the Rockingham Magistrates Court on March 24.

Police have also charged a 13-year-old boy over a scrub fire in Dudley Park.

The boy allegedly set fire to vegetation at Duck Park on Castella Drive around 3.35pm on Sunday, February 9.

The fire spread out of control until it was extinguished by firefighters.

The boy from Belmont has been charged with one count of breach of duty.

He is next due to appear before the Perth Children’s Court on March 4.

"Timely information received from members of the public was a vital component of this investigation and Strike Force Vulcan officers urge anyone with any information in relation to bush or scrub fires to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.wa.com.au," a WA Police spokesperson said.