Professional cleaning services available to Hester residents in wake of bushfire devastation

With an increasing number of residents from Hester returning to their homes after hazardous material blanketed the town, the local Shire has made a professional cleaning service available to aid in the clean-up. Nearly three weeks ago a devastating bushfire ripped through the Hester township, just north of Bridgetown, including the Timber Treaters worksite. The fire severely damaged a set of copper chrome arsenate (CCA) pine poles stored at the facility which in turn caused a toxic ash cloud to cover the area. While the ash from the pine poles have been properly sealed and contained at the Timber Treaters site, there is still concern over the ash which spread to the homes and properties around Hester. Soil testing on various properties around Timber Treaters started as soon as it was safe to do so following the bushfire on February 5 and is still ongoing. Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire president John Bookless said professional cleaning services have been made available to Hester residents who have returned to their homes to help deal with their ash-covered belongings. Cr Bookless said if people did wish to clean their homes themselves they should follow the guidelines in the Shire’s bushfire recovery newsletter. The newsletter states Hester residents who are cleaning their houses should wear gloves and a class P2 disposable dust mask to avoid breathing in potential CCA ash. It is also advised residents wash their hands after any clean-ups around their home and before drinking, eating or preparing food. Residents who need to clean outdoor furniture should clean and wash down the equipment making sure run-off water does not go on to areas where fruit or vegetables grow. Department of Fire and Emergency Services also said Hester is still only accessible to residents, local government representatives and emergency personnel for the safety of the general public.