Latest WA state news
Burnt out car believed to be cause of blaze burning toward parts of Gingin
Ray Sparvell 7:07 PM Residents in parts of Gingin have been warned to either leave their homes or get ready to actively defend them as a bushfire burns toward the coast.
Gift of wheels for Tanzanian man extends the season of giving
![Kin Ildephonse with Jennifer Pritchard who gave him the car, left, and his friend Jonathon Strzina.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/z/0/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxe1b.png/1451633502051.png)
Ray Sparvell 6:31 PM Tanzanian man Kin Ildephonse whose story touched the hearts of West Australians has had his faith further renewed with the gift of a car.
Damaging wind alert downgraded for Perth Hills and south to Bridgetown
![A firefighter feels for rain with the chance of a thunderstorm on Saturday. File image.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/d/f/8/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxu2m.png/1451619388110.jpg)
Ray Sparvell 5:19 PM High wind gusts in the Perth hills and foothills could develop into thunderstorms and brief relief on Saturday when the maximum temperature is expected to hit 37 degrees celcius.
Luxury boat engulfed in flames in Matilda Bay, Crawley
![A luxury boat was engulfed in flames in Matilda Bay on Friday afternoon.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/y/4/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxxug.png/1451628933573.png)
Ray Sparvell 5:15 PM A pleasure boat has been engulfed in flames on the shores of Matilda Bay in Crawley.
Police seek second Christmas "Grinch" after Baldivis present grab
![He can be seen taking the parcel back to his car](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/y/g/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxx26.png/1451628793890.jpg)
Ray Sparvell 5:13 PM Kwinana police are seeking help in tracking down another present-snaffling Christmas Grinch.
Four men adrift in inflatable boat rescued off Rottnest Island
![WA Water Police were called into action on New Year's Day to rescue four men off Rottnest Island](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/v/0/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxutw.png/1451622717764.jpg)
Ray Sparvell 3:31 PM Four men in an inflatable boat were rescued off Rottnest Island on Friday morning after running out of fuel.
Neighbour saves 15 from New Year's Day tragedy in Ellenbrook home fire
![The New Year's Day fire has destroyed the Ellenbrook home](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/t/b/z/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxsht.png/1451615197117.jpg)
Ray Sparvell 1:26 PM A chance drive past by a neighbour saved 15 people from a New Year's Day tragedy when a fire broke out in a house in Ellenbrook on Friday morning.
Bushfire downgraded for Rockingham
![Fire](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/0/e/5/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxnla.png/1451603260957.jpg)
12:44 PM A bushfire emergency warning south of Perth has been downgraded after the fire was brought under control.
Residents flee as "big bang" sets off caravan blaze at Middle Swan
![The Midland Tourist Park where several caravans were damaged and destroyed.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/s/5/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxrlv.png/1451612267458.jpg)
Ray Sparvell 12:37 PM Police led an evacuation of residents as a fire broke out at a caravan park in Middle Swan just before midnight on Thursday.
Woman freed after getting trapped between train and platform at Carlisle
![A woman was trapped between a platform and train at Carlisle.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/c/p/z/c/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxqz7.png/1451610321033.jpg)
Ray Sparvell 12:05 PM A woman had a lucky escape to start 2016 when she was freed after becoming trapped between a train and a platform in Carlisle on Friday morning.
Engagement proposal gets nod from law after Kings Park frisk
![Stop...in the name of love - WA Police officers help out with a marriage proposal for Luke and Lara.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/j/n/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxh4g.png/1451554192128.jpg)
Ray Sparvell Another amazing engagement proposal has emerged after the mid-air drama and emergency paddock landing endured by Ryan Donald and now-fiancee Linda Reader as reported by WAtoday on Thursday.
About 13,000 sheep stranded on export ship off Fremantle
![CIUDAD REAL, CIUDAD REAL - NOVEMBER 22: A sheep and goats herd walks along along the Canada Real Conquense o de los Serranos on November 22, 2015 in Alhambra, in Ciudad Real province, Spain. The herders' families carry out their Autumn transhumance walking in the drovers' roads with more than six thousands livestocks from the mountains of Cuenca and Albarracin in Northwest Spain along almost 500 kilometres to Sierra Morena mountains, Jaen Province, in South Spain. Their main livestock are sheep but also cows, goats, horses, donkeys and mastiffs and shepherds dogs. Livestock transhumance is an millenary practice tradition used by sheep and cow herders to find better weather conditions and natural pasture during winter and summer for their animals. Transhumance also helps to preserve the natural landscapes and conserves its biodiversity. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/7/7/g/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxl1r.png/1448407383023.jpg)
A ship carrying about 13,000 live sheep and cattle remains stranded in Western Australia after an engine problem.
RAC Rescue Chopper ferries person from Rottnest after boat accident
![The accident happened in Longreach Bay.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/2/l/h/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxlrm.png/1451553700125.jpg)
The RAC Rescue Chopper has been required to rescue a holiday-maker at Rottnest, who may have suffered a broken back after a fall on a boat.
Perth and surrounding areas warned to brace for 90km/h winds
![A man's umbrella is blown inside out as he struggle in the wind and rain walking towards Randwick Racecourse in Sydney after The Championship Races were cancelled due to bad weather. Saturday, April 4, 2015. (AAP Image/David Moir) NO ARCHIVING](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/e/m/t/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxlf6.png/1451551931697.jpg)
Simon White Don't let the clear blue skies headed into New Year's Eve fool you - Perth and surrounding areas of WA could be in for some wild weather, including 90km/h winds, come Friday morning.
Child in Fiona Stanley Hospital after Forrestdale car crash
![The autopsy was not conclusive and further testing is being done to determine a cause of death.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/v/q/k/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxiht.png/1451425573387.jpg)
A child injured in a car crash in Perth's southeast is in a stable condition in hospital.
Christmas Grinch: 'I'm about to stick the microphone up your...'
![Ashton Coverley wasn't pleased to see the media outside court.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/c/9/7/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glx8a4.png/1451540766286.jpg)
Simon White Perth's accused 'Christmas Grinch' Ashton Coverley appeared in court on Wednesday with a none-too-subtle message for the media.
Public school girls win Beazley Medals as WA's top students
![City Beach student Ali Robson reacts after discovering she received an ATAR score of more than 90.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/e/b/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxcib.png/1451536808281.jpg)
Ray Sparvell Public school students have taken out the state's top two secondary education awards.
Geraldton pilot pops question after mid-air drama and emergency paddock landing
![Ryan Donald's proposal to Linda Reader took on a dramatic, mid-air twist.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/b/7/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxaea.png/1451530130177.jpg)
Ray Sparvell Every engagement proposal needs a great story behind it, but a Geraldton couple may have set the limit with a mid-air engine drama and an emergency landing in a paddock.
Andy Murray chooses to gym in...Cockburn???
![Andy Murray surprised many with his appearance at a Cockburn gym.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/a/o/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glxamf.png/1451527941309.jpg)
Simon White It seems the Fremantle Dockers aren't the only sporting stars with Cockburn on their mind - with the world's No. 2 ranked tennis player Andy Murray working out at a local gym on Thursday morning.
Low speed pursuit Karratha man charged over Forrestfield armed robbery
![A second man appears in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday over an alleged armed robbery in Forrestfield.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/n/o/s/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glx8kr.png/1451526357924.jpg)
Ray Sparvell A second man has been charged with aggravated armed robbery and stealing a motor vehicle after a first was arrested after a bizarre low-speed pursuit through Belmont on Dec 21.
Sun to set on commercial sunbeds in WA
![Commercial sunbeds will be banned in WA from New Year's Day.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/6/3/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glx650.png/1451516352066.jpg)
Staff writers A ban on commercial sunbeds will start tomorrow in Western Australia, making it a total eclipse for the machines across Australia.
Perth driver momentarily blinded by 'stupid' speed camera prank
![Two of the flashing lights which were placed on road signs in Bullcreek on Tuesday.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/w/z/f/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glwzda.png/1451466377211.jpg)
Heather McNeill A Perth driver who mounted a kerb after being momentarily distracted by a flashing light stuck on a road sign has described the dangerous prank as 'bewildering' and warned other road users to be vigilant.
Box of kittens dumped outside Perth Cat Haven on Christmas Eve
![Ten hot and hungry kittens and their mother Mary, pictured, were abandoned outside the Perth Cat Haven on New Year's Eve.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/1/x/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glx1wt.png/1451465227718.jpg)
Ten hot and hungry kittens and their mother were abandoned in a cardboard box outside the Cat Haven in Perth on Christmas Eve.
Your Perth guide to New Year's Eve celebrations
![Your guide to New Year's Eve in Perth.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/z/0/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glx1c6.png/1451463315823.jpg)
Heather McNeill New Year's Eve in Perth is set to go off with a bang on Thursday night with six firework displays planned across the metropolitan area and a suite of parties being hosted at popular night-spots.
Bizarre Perth car-jacking ends with offender falling out of car
![Police are investigating a bungled car-jacking attempt in Nollamara.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/n/o/s/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glwu6p.png/1451526357924.jpg)
Heather McNeill Police have charged a Perth man over a bizarre car-jacking incident that ended with the 40-year-old falling out of the victim's car.
Pray for Eli: First cuddle after Perth toddler's near drowning
![Noranda toddler Eli is fighting for his life in Princess Margaret Hospital.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/u/q/3/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glwu3q.png/1451446643696.jpg)
The parents of a Perth toddler who nearly drowned last week have cuddled him for the first time since the accident, but the boy has yet to wake up, his mother says.
WA hottest place on earth two days in a row after Cunderdin scorcher
![WA was the hottest place on earth for the second day in a row on Tuesday.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/h/a/7/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glwshz.png/1451445449086.jpg)
Heather McNeill WA was the hottest place on earth for the second day in a row on Tuesday, with the Wheatbelt town of Cunderdin taking the unenviable title with a scorching maximum temperature of 45.4 degrees.
Perth man ejected from US-bound flight due to his name
![Omar Mohamad enjoying a complimentary champagne before being escorted from a flight bound for the US.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/w/q/m/c/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glwqlz.png/1451440072061.jpg)
Heather McNeill The mother of a Perth man removed from a plane bound for the United States on Sunday believes he was discriminated against because he has a similar name to a known Islamic militant leader.
Third WA person caught six times over limit drink driving in WA
![Six times over the limit](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/w/p/u/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glwplc.png/1451438579006.jpg)
A third West Australian driver has allegedly been caught with a blood alcohol level several times over the legal limit.
Wittenoom resident says government has not told her of demolition plan
![Lorraine Thomas says she has no plans to leave Wittenoom.](/web/20160101222325im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/w/o/q/7/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glwor2.png/1451436479366.jpg)
Simon White A long-time Wittenoom resident says she has had no contact from the WA government about its latest reported plans to wipe out the asbestos-haunted Pilbara town.