Fire blamed on arson

A bushfire which came close to Cable Beach houses last week was deliberately lit, a FESA spokesman said.

The blaze started about 1pm last Thursday in Minyirr bushland near Howe Drive.

FESA area manager Lee Vallance said local emergency crews teamed up with Department of Conservation Yawuru rangers to contain the bushfire which burnt about 5ha. There was reportedly no damage to Minyirr Park.

Mr Vallance said the cause of the fire was unknown, however police believed the fire could have been started by youths. A police spokesman said flares had recently been stolen from boats and could have been used to start the fire. An investigation is continuing.