Broome bushfire: Emergency services respond to fire burning close to Japanese cemetery

Firefighters are responding to a bushfire in the heart of Broome that is burning dangerously close to a cemetery.

A fire broke out between D’Antoine Street and Port Drive, with the flames bordering the Japanese cemetery. Firefighters were called to the scene in Broome, at around 6pm this evening.

A volunteer firefighter at the scene - who asked not to be named – said the fire was being treated as suspicious.

To contain the blaze, the firefighters are reducing the fuel by back burning, as the hoses are not long enough to reach the extent of bushland.

A police spokesman said the blaze was first reported as a small fire. It remains an active scene.

Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist.

Anyone with any information relating to this fire is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au.