Key Takeaways:
- A bushfire in Boddington, 130 kilometers south-east of Perth, forced residents to flee on Christmas Day.
- The fire has burnt through over 4,000 hectares of land and caused significant damage to the Boddington gold mine.
- Authorities have downgraded the threat level to an advice level, allowing residents to return home.
- More than 200 firefighters and 13 aircraft have been battling the blaze.
- The evacuation center in Narrogin has been closed, and some roads remain closed due to the risk of fallen trees and power outages.
Introduction to the Bushfire
The Boddington bushfire, which has been burning since Christmas Day, has finally shown signs of slowing down, with authorities downgrading the threat level to an advice level. The fire, which has burnt through over 4,000 hectares of land, forced residents to flee their homes and seek shelter in evacuation centers. The blaze has caused significant damage to the Boddington gold mine and has left many residents shaken. Despite the challenges, the community has come together to support each other, with many showing gratitude to the firefighters who have worked tirelessly to contain the fire.
Residents’ Experiences
Residents who were forced to evacuate their homes have spoken about the traumatic experience of leaving behind their belongings and pets. Tamsin Hodder, a Boddington resident, described the last two days as "very traumatic" and said that she was forced to leave quickly, taking only her clothes, pets, and family photos. She struggled to find a place to house her pets, but eventually found a kennel in Narrogin that took them in free of charge. Ms. Hodder is relieved to be returning home, but acknowledges that the experience has been overwhelming and emotional.
Firefighters’ Efforts
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has been working around the clock to contain the fire, with more than 200 firefighters and 13 aircraft battling the blaze. DFES Acting Superintendent Peter Thomas said that firefighters had done "a lot of great work" to shore up containment lines overnight and that the town site of Boddington is now safe. Mr. Thomas attributed the minimal impact on property to the quick action taken by residents during the evacuation process and the hard work of firefighters. He urged residents to remain alert in case of any potential flare-ups and said that firefighters would maintain a presence in the area to monitor the situation.
Community Response
The community has come together to support each other, with many residents showing gratitude to the firefighters who have worked tirelessly to contain the fire. Mitch Corby, a Boddington resident, said that he was having Christmas lunch at a friend’s house when the evacuation order came through. He and his family quickly gathered their emergency kit and went to the Williams evacuation center. Mr. Corby praised the firefighters for their hard work and said that the community appreciates their efforts in saving the town. The evacuation center in Narrogin, which was set up to cater for the large number of evacuees, has now been closed.
Recovery Efforts
As the fire is brought under control, the focus is now on recovery efforts. The Boddington Hospital has reopened, and infrastructure inspections are underway to ensure that there is no risk to the public. Some roads remain closed due to the risk of fallen trees and power outages, and residents are advised to be vigilant and take care when returning to their homes. The DFES has provided guidance on what to do after a bushfire, including checking for damage to property, being aware of potential hazards such as fallen trees and power lines, and seeking support from friends, family, and community services.
Conclusion
The Boddington bushfire has been a traumatic experience for the community, but thanks to the hard work of firefighters and the quick action of residents, the town site has been saved. As residents return to their homes, they are advised to remain vigilant and take care, and to seek support from friends, family, and community services. The community has come together to support each other, and the gratitude shown to the firefighters is a testament to their hard work and dedication. As the recovery efforts continue, it is clear that the community will come out of this experience stronger and more resilient than ever.