THE Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has wrapped up its biggest firefighting operation in decades after more than a month of battling multiple fires that burned through more than 800,000ha of mostly pastoral land near Carnarvon.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said in terms of the size and duration of the fires, it was the biggest single suppression campaign DEC had undertaken since the Dwellingup fires of 1961.
The fire was started by lightning on December 27 on the former Mooka pastoral lease near Kennedy Range National Park.
Since then, more than 350 people from DEC, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA); the shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth and Upper Gascoyne; WA Police, Main Roads WA, pastoralists, local volunteer bushfire brigades, SES, Forest Products Commission; the departments of Water, Agriculture and Food, and Child Protection; St John Ambulance and local volunteer organisations have all been involved in the fire response.
“The scale and complexity of this operation has been significant and presented huge challenges,” Mr Marmion said.
“There were 22 separate fires started by lightning over several weeks with plenty of fuel due to abundant grass. In two days (January 19-20) multiple lightning strikes started seven fires.
“On top of this, much of the area was difficult to access, with extensive areas of sand dunes up to 12m high and boggy conditions caused by isolated downpours from thunderstorms.
“In leading a multi-agency team, DEC had tremendous support from other agencies, organisations, volunteers, the community and pastoralists and we thank them for that.
“Although the fires burned through 11 pastoral stations, no homesteads were lost. Unfortunately, all of those pastoralists have been affected by the fires which impacted fences, watering systems, water points and stock feed, and damaged roads and tracks.
“Work has already started on the recovery process. Department of Agriculture and Food officers are assisting pastoral lessees in their assessment of the impact on pastoral infrastructure, livestock and pastures. The department will also support pastoral businesses in planning their recovery from the fires.”
The Minister commended the extraordinary efforts of the fire crews on the frontline.
“The perimeter of the fire complex stretched for 1,250km and crews had to travel huge distances just to get to the fires and where they were working on containment lines,” he said.
“The conditions were extremely draining and people were working long hours in temperatures about 42oC in the shade. Those from the South-West found they had to work in pairs taking turns to do half-hour stints to prevent exhaustion.
“DEC is also very grateful for the support of local companies and contractors that have provided services and facilities such as accommodation, transport and food, as well as volunteers such as the Lions Club, who fed all the firefighters.”
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