Quick Search
Latest Listings
Subscribe
Join our mailing list to receive updates on what's happening in the south west.
Busselton Fire
- Categorised in: Community
The reality of the fire season was brought home to Busselton residents as a large fire, centred around the wetlands, south-west of the Light Industrial Area sprang into life again, on the afternoon of Tuesday 23 February 2010.
The fire, which began late Monday afternoon, ripped through over 100 acres of vacant bushland in between Busselton residences on the ocean side of the Busselton Bypass. Some houses were evacuated as over 60 fire personnel from around the region, converged on Busselton, backed up by two water-bombing helicopters.
Speculation over what caused the fire is raging, nearly as much as the flames themselves, so without accurate information from a reliable source, we do not wish to weigh in to the debate. Fire crews have hinted that it appears the fire was deliberately lit, but would not comment any further and the arson squad is believed to be at the scene.
The town centre was a buzz of activity over the last two days, as locals tried to get as close as possible to view the action, often impeding the work of Police, Rangers and Fire Fighters as they strayed dangerously close to the hot spots. Businesses in town, including the local Cinema, Fast Food outlets, and Restaurants were without electricity on Monday evening, as Western Power worked to prevent any further danger from damaged powerlines centred around the fire.
While the blaze was initially well contained within the wetlands, strong winds on Monday saw the fire jump the road and head towards, a small residential area and businesses surrounding the Busselton Visitor Centre.
The latest update on Wednesday morning, is the fire crews are confident they have everything under control and are dampening down a few hot spots. But with today’s temperatures set the hit the high 30’s, they know that it won’t take much to flare up again.
About Steve
Steve comes to us as a journeyman who has a passion for writing and connections in sport at player and organising level. A young man who has a willingness to work hard and an eye for the details about what’s going on and who’s making it happen.
Good article Steve, although not 100% accurate. I was one of the first firefighters on the ground Monday evening. We only have 1 helicopter, and there was over 150 hertares burnt.
Anyways, more to the point of the on-lookers and spectaters. Stupid, stupid, stupid people. There had to be at least 60 cars parked along West street when we were trying to get into position and start attacking the fire. People with little kids, animals and so forth. No sooner did the last car get off west street the fire crossed the road. Bit of advice people, with a situation as big as this, you can watch the fire from outside the hazard zone and still get a good look.
Other than that, I think it wen't rather well with no major damage done. 3 teenagers were seen running from the scene minutes before the swamp went up, I hope you get caught and have the crap kicked out of you. And if you're local, you can probably expect the entire community to expect no remorse.