Bridgetown bushfire downgraded to ‘all clear’ three weeks after blaze started

After three weeks and 2400ha scorched, the Bridgetown bushfire has officially been downgraded to all clear by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The fire was downgraded on Tuesday afternoon after the last remnants of the blaze which threatened to destroy the town on February 5 were extinguished. The fire was deemed “accidental” and started by a tree branch which fell on to a set of power lines before quickly spreading towards Bridgetown. At the height of the incident the bushfire was graded by DFES as a level three blaze, the most severe warning level for the department meaning the bushfire was a threat to lives and homes. The response by DFES saw more than 200 volunteer firefighters from all over the South West region alongside multiple aerial water bombers fight to try to prevent the bushfire from decimating much of Bridgetown. The work from the firefighters and the water bombers stopped the fire from doing any damage to the Bridgetown townsite and by February 6 the fire was deemed contained and controlled by DFES. After mineral earth breaks were put in around the fire scar on February 6, DFES and volunteer firefighters were able to monitor and slowly cut down the size of the blaze over the following weeks until extinguishing it on Tuesday. Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire president John Bookless said there “were no words” capable of expressing his thanks to both DFES and the volunteers who battled the blaze. “Words are not enough, there are not enough thankyous,” he said. “They go above and beyond the call of duty to fight the fire, these times bring out the best of our communities.” In the wake of the bushfire two properties and more than 50km of fencing was destroyed, one man was seriously injured and the golf club, tip and one Shire depot were badly damaged. Power and telecommunications for much of the town were also affected in the days following the level three bushfire. The Hester township suffered a hazardous material outbreak after pine poles containing copper chrome arsenate were burnt at the Timber Treaters plant which released a toxic ash cloud over the area. The recovery program for the town is being spearheaded by the local Shire which is liaising the departments of Health, Communities, Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions and Primary Industries and Regional Development to help those affected. Mental health help and counselling has also been made available to those who require it at Lifeline.