Published on Thursday, 9 January 2025 at 4:32:00 PM

Just before midnight on 21 December 2024, fire crews were called to battle a fast-moving bushfire along Wright Road in Mardella. Fanned by strong easterly winds gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour, the fire posed a threat to local properties and rural land.

Thanks to a coordinated effort involving additional fire crews and local farm response teams, the fire was successfully contained within an hour. A key factor in this success was well-maintained fire breaks, particularly along the northern edge of the affected area.

These fire breaks allowed crews to focus their efforts on stopping the fire's head from crossing Kargotich Road, located 2.6 kilometers from the ignition point. Aerial images of the aftermath clearly illustrate the fire's spread and how the fire breaks effectively limited its progression.

“Fast-moving fires like this are never entirely stopped by fire breaks alone,” said Bushfire Mitigation Officer Jason White. “However, they provide vital safety zones for firefighters and help significantly in containing the blaze.”

This incident speaks to the importance of maintaining fire breaks as a critical element of bushfire management. The quick response and dedicated efforts of all crews and volunteers involved were instrumental in protecting lives and properties.

For more information on the importance of fire breaks and how to maintain them, visit our Fire Breaks webpage.

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