Arson squad still investigating Aveley, Ellenbrook, The Vines after shocking vision shows flames near homes

The arson squad are continuing to investigate a bushfire that left residents in Perth’s north preparing to evacuate as a tower of flames neared homes and a school.

Firefighters put out a watch and act alert for residents in parts of Ellenbrook, Aveley and The Vines on Friday night after a scrub fire erupted in bushland at the intersection of Fleetwood Link and Ardmore Parade in Aveley about 6.15pm.

Local resident Blake Colton said the blaze started as a “small scrub fire” before it really started to “pick up” and turned into a “massive fireball”.

Dramatic images showed a tower of flames near homes and embers raining down on nearby properties. Aveley Secondary College was at one point contained within the watch and act zone.

A WA Police spokeswoman said the arson squad were still investigating the fire on Sunday. No charges had been laid.

The circumstances surrounding the fire have not been determined by police.

Firefighters controlled the blaze by 11.30am on Saturday after it was controlled about 7.40pm on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said firefighters protected properties from ember attacks overnight.

There were no reports of property damage despite the fire razing 8.5ha of bushland.

Anyone with information about the cause of the fire is urged to make a report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online. Reports can be made anonymously.