Key Takeaways:
- A bushfire in Boddington, 150 kilometers south of Perth, destroyed two family-built heritage cottages and ravaged over 4,000 hectares of land on Christmas Day.
- The fire forced over 80 residents to evacuate, with some sleeping in a car park, and damaged power and water infrastructure.
- Fourth-generation Boddington farmer Ray Farmer lost 600 hectares of pasture, 600 kilometers of fencing, and the majority of his hay crop, as well as the two cottages filled with family heirlooms.
- The fire’s impact exceeded financial confines, with sentimental losses and damage to the community.
- Neighboring farmer Simon Kelsall estimated that 95% of his farm was torched, with only a small portion remaining unscathed.
Introduction to the Devastation
The town of Boddington, located 150 kilometers south of Perth, was left reeling after a devastating bushfire tore through the area on Christmas Day. The fire, which burned for over 10 days, destroyed two family-built heritage cottages and ravaged over 4,000 hectares of land. The blaze came within 2 kilometers of the Boddington townsite, forcing over 80 residents to evacuate and seek shelter in a nearby center. Some residents were even forced to sleep on air mattresses in the car park, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Sentimental Losses
For Ray Farmer, a fourth-generation Boddington farmer, the loss was particularly devastating. The two cottages that were destroyed were built by his great-grandfather and filled with antique furniture and collectors’ items. The cottages held immense sentimental value, and Mr. Farmer struggled to put a dollar figure on the loss. "I always reckoned if we ever had a fire around the historic houses, I’d be able to save it," he said. However, the strong winds made it impossible for him to fight the fire, and the cottages were reduced to ashes. Mr. Farmer’s wife, Brenda, described the experience as "emotional" and was left "totally stunned and shocked" by the event.
Fighting the Fire
As the fire approached, neighboring farmer Simon Kelsall received a phone call from volunteer firefighters warning him that the blaze would reach his property in 50 minutes. Mr. Kelsall and his family decided to stay and fight the fire, missing their family celebrations in Perth. Although they managed to save their home, the majority of their farm was destroyed, with Mr. Kelsall estimating that 95% of the land was torched. The family is now faced with the daunting task of cleaning up the damage, including fallen trees and burnt fences.
Aftermath and Recovery
The fire has left the community reeling, with many residents struggling to come to terms with the devastation. The damage bill is still being calculated, but it is clear that the impact will be felt for years to come. Mr. Farmer’s loss of 600 hectares of pasture, 600 kilometers of fencing, and the majority of his hay crop will have a significant impact on his farming business. The sentimental losses, however, are irreparable. As Mr. Farmer said, "I can’t put a dollar figure on it, it’s all sentimental … it’ll take us years to recover." The community will need to come together to support those affected and work towards rebuilding and recovery.
The Road to Recovery
As the community begins the long process of recovery, it is clear that the road ahead will be challenging. The fire has not only destroyed physical structures but has also taken a toll on the emotional well-being of those affected. The Farmers and the Kelsalls will need to rebuild their lives and their businesses, and the community will need to rally around them to provide support. The fire has also highlighted the importance of preparedness and the need for effective emergency response plans. As the community moves forward, it is essential to learn from this experience and work towards preventing similar disasters in the future.