Bushfire Threatens Homes Near Perth
- A bushfire has broken out in suburban Perth, with a quick-moving blaze putting dozens of homes and lives at risk.
- The bushfire broke out just before 3pm local time in a small pocket of bushland in Ellenbrook, about 30 kilometres north-east of Perth.
- The area is surrounded by more than 100 houses, tightly packed in a modern residential estate.
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A bushfire has broken out in suburban Perth, with a quick-moving blaze putting dozens of homes and lives at risk.
The bushfire broke out just before 3pm local time in a small pocket of bushland in Ellenbrook, about 30 kilometres north-east of Perth.
The area is surrounded by more than 100 houses, tightly packed in a modern residential estate.
The fire is impacting a residential neighbourhood in Ellenbrook. (ABC News)
A watch-and-act warning is in place for people in an area bounded by The Broadway,Galatea Pass,Farmaner Parkway and Elmridge Parkway.
Firefighters say it is indeed not safe for people who fled the area to return.
Aerial footage showed a cabana engulfed in flames in the backyard of a home.
Johnson & Johnson Talc Powder Lawsuits: Status as of January 29, 2026
Table of Contents
As of January 29, 2026, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) continues to navigate ongoing litigation related to allegations that its talc-based powders contained asbestos and caused cancer, though the company has largely ceased selling talc-based powders in North America.
Background and Initial Allegations
The lawsuits stem from claims that J&J’s talc products, including Baby Powder, were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Plaintiffs allege this contamination led to diagnoses of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The first lawsuits were filed in the early 2010s, and the number of cases grew significantly over the following decade.
Bankruptcy Proceedings and Appeals
In October 2023, johnson & Johnson subsidiary LTL Management LLC refiled for bankruptcy protection in an attempt to consolidate the talc powder lawsuits. Reuters reported on the refiling, noting it followed a previous bankruptcy dismissal. The goal of the bankruptcy filing is to establish a trust fund to compensate claimants. however, this strategy has faced legal challenges.
In January 2024, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against J&J’s attempt to limit talc claims in bankruptcy, stating that only plaintiffs who hadn’t yet filed lawsuits were eligible for the bankruptcy process. This decision significantly narrowed the scope of the bankruptcy protection. J&J appealed this ruling to the Supreme Court.
Supreme court Review (2025-2026)
the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case,In re LTL Management LLC,on April 22,2025.The Supreme Court’s official docket provides access to case documents. On January 21, 2026, the Supreme Court issued its ruling, affirming the Third Circuit’s decision.The Court found that companies cannot use bankruptcy to shield themselves from liability when their products haven’t caused widespread harm to the general public, but rather to specific individuals who have filed claims.
Current Status (January 29, 2026)
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, LTL management LLC’s bankruptcy case was dismissed. Johnson & Johnson is now facing individual lawsuits in state and federal courts. As of January 29, 2026, J&J has set aside approximately $4 billion to cover potential settlements and judgments. Johnson & Johnson’s official press release details the company’s financial provisions for the litigation. The company maintains that its talc products are safe, but continues to address the claims through the legal system.
- LTL Management LLC: A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson created to manage the talc litigation.
- Supreme Court of the United States: Reviewed the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding the bankruptcy proceedings.
- Third Circuit Court of Appeals: Initially ruled against J&J’s bankruptcy strategy.
- Plaintiffs: Individuals alleging harm from J&J’s talc products.