Katanning on Fire. Katanning on Fire. Katanning on Fire.
The Western Australian bush is has been prone to fires long before European settlement. Aboriginal Australians have used fire for domestic purposes and for land control for thousands of years.
However, records have only been kept since that European settlement commenced and the recent fires in February, 2020 were not much different to many others over the years. Past newspaper reports reveal that Katanning people have had to fight major bush fires virtually from the time Katanning, as we know it today, started.
THE LOCAL EFFORT – 2020
NEWSPAPER REPORTS – 2020
PHOTOGRAPHS – 2020
PAST FIRES
LOOKING BACK TO DWELLINGUP – 1961
WHAT IS FIRE?
2020 FIRE
The February, 2020 fire followed on not long after the disastrous and deadly fires throughout south and eastern Australia. Many of us looked on through our television sets in disbelief as so many communities were virtually wiped out. Although most of us were stunned beyond belief it was happening elsewhere – far away.
But all of a sudden it was in our own backyard and we understood a lot more what our fellow Australians were going through on our eastern seaboard. Local farms, homes, and indeed, Katanning itself were in harms way. Towns people were evacuated with many sheltering at Kobeelya. With only one road open out of town, a number of people headed towards Nyabing.
All this immediately followed a large fire in the Badgebup area which had not long been bought under control.
Thanks to a massive effort by all our emergency services, both local and across the state, the town was spared. So a huge thank you to everyone involved in fighting this massive fire event. Sadly, however, one home was destroyed along with hundreds of kilometres of farm fencing. Importantly though, no lives were lost.
Following are a couple of newspaper reports on the event:
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Bushfire destroys Katanning home as it rips through WA’s Great Southern region
By John Dobson
ABC News
9 February, 2020
At least one home was lost in a bushfire which descended on the Western Australian town of Katanning on Saturday. The fire tore through farmland as it approached the town of more than 3,500 people in WA’s Great Southern region in the afternoon. There were also reports farming machinery, sheds and infrastructure were lost in the blaze.
The fire was sparked by lightning on Friday but as temperatures reached more than 40 degrees Celsius in the town on Saturday, strong winds pushed the fire to emergency level. Thick smoke hit the town around 4:00pm as fire crews and locals prepared homes along the town’s western edge. At the peak of the fire, 300 fire fighters and a water bomber were used to tackle it.
About 300 people stayed in an evacuation centre in town on Saturday night as an emergency warning was in place. A watch and act alert remains in place for the fire, but conditions have eased on Sunday.
Adrian Richardson runs the Co-op in Katanning and helped fight the blaze with the local volunteers. His crew managed to stop the blaze on Friday night before it intensified again on Saturday.
“It was even worse on Saturday because the wind got up and it just wasn’t going to be held anywhere,” Mr Richardson said. “It took off and virtually surrounded Katanning, when you’re behind it and all you can see is a huge ball of smoke and a red glow that’s heading straight for the town, you begin to wonder what you are going to find when you get to the other end of it. Luckily, it’s only got to the edge of the town and gone around it, more so than straight through it.”
Mr Richardson also said the local supermarket had lost power and a lot of food had spoiled, so he opened his Co-op on Sunday to make sure people had access to fresh food.
“We’re going to have the store open for as long as people need us,” he said. “We’ve also sent out several pallet-loads of water and supplies for the emergency service people still working on the fire and a lot of the town was evacuated and they need to be fed, so we’ve had emergency services in here picking up drinks and stuff for them. Not everyone has been able to get back home because of roads being closed.”
Katanning-based state MP Peter Rundle said it was remarkable more homes were not lost.
“The effort from firefighters and locals was tremendous,” he said. “Their work and the aerial support saved the town from more damage. Luckily it appears no-one has been seriously hurt, which is the main thing.”
More than 100 sheep did not survive the blaze. It was one of three major bushfires burning in the region on Saturday.
WAMMCO spared during Katanning fires
Farm Weekly
20 February 2020
By Aidan Smith
Photo by Peter Rundle
KATANNING sheep processor The WA Meat Marketing Co-operative (WAMMCO) had a close call two weeks ago after a fire burnt through a quarter of its farm area threatening the abattoir. WAMMCO chief executive officer Coll MacRury said they were lucky to escape without any stock losses or damage to the facilities.
“We have 1000 acres (404 hectares) of farmland around the site and the fire burnt a quarter of that,” Mr MacRury said. “It got fences and cables and knocked the power out, so we were out of action on Sunday until the afternoon. There’s also some trees down on the perimeter.”
Mr MacRury said the fire, which burnt through about 4000ha in the Katanning area and destroyed at least one home, while damaging others, was fuelled by above 40 degrees Celsius temperatures and strong winds. Workers were busy putting out spot fires as they appeared on the property.
“We had a lot of stock grazing on the farm, so it kept the grass short, which was a blessing in disguise,” he said.
WAMMCO held off some consignments of lambs until Monday of last week, which allowed them to clear 1300 head of mutton which they had in the paddock. “We ended up not losing any time on the floor at all,” he said.
The Nationals WA MP for Roe Peter Rundle said the fire “was quite frightening. I’ve never experienced a fire like that,” Mr Rundle said. He said it was fortunate that he had his farm fire unit, a ute with a 1000 litre water tank, ready to be able to help out. Mr Rundle said the weather conditions saw the fire produce a lot of smoke as it jumped between tree branches, reducing visibility and impacting the way in which the fire could be fought.
“We couldn’t see what was happening and had to work from the side and back of it,” he said. Mr Rundle said one of his “biggest worries” was the WAMMCO abattoir. “Losing the plant would have been a massive loss for the whole region,” he said.
Mr MacRury said he didn’t know what they would have done had the facility fallen victim to the fire.
Mr Rundle said over the course of fighting the fire there was “a really good demonstration of how volunteers and farmers worked together”, along with water bombers protecting houses. “We had fantastic support from other fire units and shires as well,” Mr Rundle said.
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THE LOCAL EFFORT – 2020
Submitted by Lost Katanning member
TANIA EDWARDS
Our involvement and subsequent photo’s/videos came about mainly due to our workplace and our ability to get to the fire spots through the back roads that others couldn’t get to (due to Clynt’s 30-plus years knowledge of all the back tracks and farm locations!!).
It started with clients who were fighting on the fire grounds on the first day ringing us asking us to bring supplies of PPE, fire retardant, parts for machinery etc. Through these numerous calls the conversation naturally extended to what else do you need – which then identified the fire fighters had no food and drinks as people left in hurry (this was the first day before SES and DEFES were engaged).
Whilst the town was evacuated (including our own house and my family) I had to stay here at work waiting to receive some fire retardant from out of town for the planes – hence a lot of those videos were from out the front of our building whilst I was waiting.
You’re probably aware, but our business place (GSR – Great Southern Rural Katanning) ended up being a coordination point not only for food, but other equipment and supplies throughout the whole ordeal. Subsequently we ended up being a communication hub from the grounds (as I had direct contact with Liz Guidera and the Shire communications centre). Many a text message and phone call was exchanged!
We also had the drama of the SES not being able to get through to the fire grounds with the food as roads were becoming unsafe at a rapid rate. This is where Clynt and I stepped up I guess. With Clynt’s knowledge we were able to discretely take the back tracks, in appropriate vehicles and PPE.
One of the photo’s you will see is taken at 1 am at night when we were delivering food as some of the firies hadn’t eaten for two days. The food drop points work to an extent but only if the firies were there at the time when food was dropped off (some of the firies had big trucks so only returned to the drop points when they needed fuel or water which wasn’t as often as others) so once the fire was somewhat under control we actually drove to each vehicle and dropped food to individuals plus food drop points.
During one of these occasions we were out at the Speedway side of town when Elvis came to visit!! We were evacuated to high grounds whilst Elvis did his thing as you will see from the videos.
Meanwhile there was a massive effort going on behind the scenes here at work with a team of people coordinating all the food, packaging goods, coordinating drop-offs, seeking eskies and supplies. My mum Barb Groves, was one of the main people here coordinating along with Doug & Sue Cherry, Don Richardson & many, many others.
I wish I had photo’s but I was out at the fire fields and only calling in to re-stock with supplies!! Basically the volunteers took over the boardroom and kitchen and worked for days on end. My 11 yo daughter Leah was even directing people dropping food off at the front door!! We not only fed volunteers out of the fire grounds but also the Police, Ambo’s, Firies, Western Power, Shire, Communications Centre, the people along the Kojonup and Wagin roads who got burnt etc.
It was phenomenal. I think it was the communities way of helping and healing. We had so much food, beers, cool drink, water etc donated – it was amazing but overwhelming at times also. These donations fed our volunteers for about four days until the fire was out and later went on to be used by Blaze-Aid and the Firies’ debriefs.
We also had hot meals donated by the ladies from the ANZ Bank and the Baptist Church that with a discrete phone call just turned up at 4:30pm for the week following the fire that went to the some very exhausted volunteers like Liz Guidera, myself, the Brookfield’s and the local men in the Communications Centre. Safe to say it brought a tear to the eye (still does!).
Donations came from far and wide, not only Katanning but Tambellup, Broomehill, Kojonup, Nyabing etc.
I guess I did become a name/face for communications during the whole ordeal – an obvious choice given I know and have the ability to contact most farmers who were out fighting fires, but also a town person with the ability to be contacted and contact the right person when needed. I was also the person people spoke to or saw at the fire front that could help provide communication but really I was just a face/name for an army of people behind the scenes who stayed hidden and have not been recognised for their contributions!
Facebook
Facebook was an absolute godsend during the whole ordeal but also a hindrance at times when we got overwhelmed, so in the end we resorted to private messaging the “right” person who would then action my request and organise an army of helpers to achieve whatever problem we had – from the sneaky hot meals, to seeking furniture for the Brookfield’s, to getting food to right places on the fire-grounds, to getting messages to the Communications Centre and the SES.
Food Standard
We also had the issue of making sure the ‘food” was kept to a certain standard. SES stopped donations of sandwiches as we couldn’t guarantee they were prepared in a commercial kitchen – this is when Nigel from the Dome Katanning contacted us and offered their kitchen = problem solved!! This was then accepted by the SES/FESA as acceptable and we were able to get this important staple out to the fire grounds.
The SES only provided breakfast, lunch and dinner – so if the firies missed these drop-offs then they went hungry!! Needless to say the midnight sandwich run was well received as were the cakes and the goodies!!! No they weren’t prepared in a commercial kitchen – hence couldn’t be delivered by the SES!!!
I can honestly say I saw majority of people at their absolute best and a usual minority at their absolute worst during the ordeal, but was absolutely in awe of so many volunteers, not only the firies, all who worked for days on end with little to no sleep.
But those fire fighters – they are just next level. I think the general public would not realise nor understand the conditions they fought in – visibility was next to zero in most places, air quality horrendous, the fire was unpredictable and generating it’s own wind making it extremely dangerous and often they were fighting in areas they didn’t know (the Eastern farmers were in fighting over in the West and vice versa, or they were from different towns as far away as Pinjarra etc) so didn’t know where they were and you certainly couldn’t tell what direction you were facing as you couldn’t see the sun or stars!!
An example of the self-sacrificing I witnessed was Ian Knapp pushing over numerous trees for safety reasons (they were burning) all the while completely wrecking his dozer as limbs fell onto the cab etc.
Gavin D’Adehmer from the Ag Dept having the horrendous job of euthanising all the sheep (needless to say he was a broken man by the end of it).
Then there was the calm but authoritative voice of Norm Flugge on the fire radio issuing instructions to the fire ground or the local Fire Commander politely trying to direct sticky beakers out of the way of Elvis – whilst the rest of us were swearing and cursing at them!
Not forgetting the Badgebup mob who were fighting a fire the day before at Clegg’s – then went straight to our horrendous fire leaving the wives to manage the flare-ups at Clegg’s during the Katanning fire. Then there were those farmers and their wives/families who suffered so much personal loss but soldiered on and even turned up at to volunteer at the cleanup at Mrs Kowald’s place.
I will never forget the bulldozers and graders (their lights looked like an alien ship at night) that came from nowhere to help build the fire break that saved our town from the speedway fire that came roaring through from a wind change late at night nor those amazing aerial saviours that were like angels in the sky.
To the humble cabinet maker (Pete Squibb) who supplied face masks when we ran out but also did a run to the airport for us to get supplies to the plane; Chris Obst and Steven Keast that did a mountain of work behind the scenes seeking masks, eskies you name it.
To my amazing family (Dad and Matty) who provided crowd control around Elvis, to doing fire ground runs with generators and fuel, to mum in the kitchen here plus looking after my children enabling Clynt and I to help where we were needed. So many more stories!!
So extremely proud to live in and be a part of our Katanning community.
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PAST FIRES
Bush fires have been part of life in Western Australia ever since European settlement commenced. In fact, local Aboriginal people had to deal with the menace for over 40,000 years although, on many occasions, they often used these fires to control their environment.
Records, however, have only been kept since European settlement and following is a number of newspaper reports from over those years:
BUSH FIRES.
Great Southern Herald
9 January 1904 – p2
People in Katanning and district have had a most unpleasant and anxious time this week. Bush fires have raged both north and south of the town, and wrought damage here and there, but fortunately not so much as people feared would be the case. As the fires travelled before the wind, properties were often in great danger and, in many instances, only for the fire fighters would have been destroyed.
The official reports give good examples of how bush fires are caused, and clearly demonstrate that although there is an Act for their prevention it is little heeded. The flames in the first place originated through a spark from a dying campfire igniting the grass. The Act makes it necessary for a person to clear the ground of its grass for a radius of 10ft from the spot where he lights his fire.
Whether it was taken or not the precaution in, this instance, would have been of-no avail. On being abandoned, the fire should have been put out. Engines on the railways are perhaps the worst sources of danger in this district. Farmers near the line should do all they possibly can to guard against sparks from them lighting their crops, not chance to luck as, we are sorry to say, some often do.
There are sure to be more fires within the next month or so, and consequently every farmer should make due preparation for them and look to his neighbour to do the same.
BUSH FIRES AND “BLAZERS”
Great Southern Herald
9 January 1904 – p3
EXAMPLES OF HOW FIRES ABE STARTED.
SOME TRYING EXPERIENCES
Every day lately Farmers have been expecting bush fires, and what has principally occupied their minds is the question of how to cope with them. Though the thermometer only registered 91 degrees in the shade on Monday, the day was a trying one and the dry appearance of everything in the fields helped to make the outlook ominous.
On Tuesday the sun shone stronger and a light land wind was felt. Just before noon smoke began to issue from the bush near the well which Messrs F. and C. Piesse are making and the flames, having rapidly swept across Le Page’s paddock, went in the direction of Mr J. Cook’s farm.
Meanwhile over 20 employees of Messrs F. and C. Piesse were fighting the fire which travelled past the piggery and Mr Cusack’s place as far as Dr. House’s paddock. As they approached Mr Cook’s property, men from “Wickham” farm came out to meet them, and at once lent a hand in the work, of extinguishing the flames. A severe struggle ensued, but fortunately the crop was saved. The fire, which had died out to a great extent, then travelled in the direction of Ewlyamartup and, we understand, did not cause any more damage.
Messrs F. and C. Piesse were the only losers on Tuesday, a large amount of their grass and firewood having been burned. The fire originated through a willie-willie blowing sparks from a fire, which a tramp had lit earlier in the day, on to the grass nearby.
In town the air was stifling. A north wind blew, and the thermometer registered 102 degrees. Wednesday was even hotter than Tuesday by two degrees and the land wind was still experienced.
At noon a fire started in the vicinity of the brick kiln and swept over that portion of Le Page’s paddock which was saved on the previous day. On it were 200 cords of wood and a good deal of it was burned. This fire had not been subdued when another, of considerably greater dimensions, commenced close to the railway dine near Moojepin and travelled in the direction of Katanning.
All day and late into the night Messrs F. and C. Piesse’s men struggled with the flames. They not only attempted to save the property of their employers, but that of neighbouring farmers also. As a result, Mr C. F. Wanke’s property escaped unharmed. About ten acres of crops belonging to Mr Emil Beeck were destroyed, however. The fire was caused through a spark from an engine igniting the grass growing along the line, and the one earlier in the day through a horse treading on matches in the grass.
BUSH FIRES.
Great Southern Herald
16 February, 1916
Bush fires have been very prevalent here during the past week. On Thursday last a fire started during the morning west of Mr. F. W. Bilney’s homestead.
A very strong wind was blowing and in a short time the fire came in right up to the house. There was no one about with the exception of Mr. and Mrs. Bilney, and they had a very anxious time. Luckily the homestead sheds, which are full of grain, and the haystack were saved, but they lost about 1,500 acres of grass.
The fire continued on in a northerly direction and swept the country for miles, many small paddocks being burnt, the last place to be attacked being Mr. Robert Stevenson’s. He lost over 2,000 acres, including about 270 acres of splendid stubble. Luckily, he had all his grain carted (about l,300 bags). The stack was only about half a chain from the stubble, which had yielded up to 25 to 30 bushels to the acre, and this by dint of great exertions was saved.
Around Balgarrup Mr. A. E. Warburton had a very anxious time. He lost a large amount of stubble and grass. north-west of Kojonup a large fire has been burning for days, and a great deal of damage has been done to grass and stubble. Mr. T. Pearson had his haystack burned.
FIRE AT KATANNING
MR H. V. PIESSE’S RESIDENCE
Southern Districts Advocate
8 March, 1916
Last night at about 11.45, Mr and Mrs Bokeman, who live opposite, and who were going home from the social, noticed flames bursting from the roof of Mr H. V. Piesse’s residence. They immediately gave the alarm and then, with other willing workers, were successful in saving some of the furniture, including the piano, but owing to the absence of a fire brigade and water supply in our up-to-date city it was impossible stay the progress of the flames which continued their merciless career until the brick portions only were left standing.
Mrs Piesse and family were at the time absent in Albany on a holiday, while Mr Piesse, who had spent the evening at the entertainment, was meeting the Albany train on business. As no one was on the premises it is impossible to locate the origin of the conflagration.
The building and contents were insured in the Commercial Union, but not for anything like their full value. As is usual in all such cases, many items of seemingly little value,, but which can rarely be replaced, must have gone up in smoke, so that Mr Piesse will be at a considerable loss.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRES AT KATANNING
Western Mail
10 January, 1919
Katanning, Jan. 2.
One of the most disastrous fires that have ever occurred in the district broke out on Boxing Day on the Pallinup Estate, owned by Mr. David Stewart, and swept on a wide face towards Broomehill, destroying sheep, crops, and fences, and causing a very heavy loss to various owners of property. It is thought that the fire originated from a tree struck by lightning some days previously, and which smouldered until a sudden burst of wind carried the glowing embers into the luxuriant feed surrounding. The fire cleaned up about 12,000 acres of Pallinup, and a number of sheep were destroyed.
For some time, the fine residence and out-buildings were threatened, and it was only by strenuous efforts on the part of the large body of fire fighters that they were eventually saved. The fire spread into Martinup, belonging to Messrs. Lowden and Sons, Woodyarrup, belonging to Mr. Hassell and did considerable damage; whilst Messrs. James and Ridley lost heavily in crop and had a number of sheep, scorched.
Other farmers to suffer loss in varying degrees were Messrs. Fletcher Bros., M. McAuliffe and J. Eastwood. A further fire broke out at Ewlyamartup Lake and is still burning fiercely. Mr. Oehms has suffered loss of crop and feed, whilst Mr. J. Barkley is said to have lost practically the whole of his crop.
Fire at Katanning.
MOURITZ BROS. WORKSHOP ABLAZE.
Tambellup Times
13 April, 1918
Early Wednesday morning Katanning was awakened by an alarm whistle from the mill, and on investigation it was found that the workshop adjoining Messrs Mouritz Bros, garage was blazing.
A number of helpers were soon on the scene, and with water obtained from the forge tanks and the police quarters the fire was held until Mr. Frearson, of the Water Supply Department, arrived, and by making use of the scheme water soon had the flames extinguished.
The damage was confined mostly to the portion of the workshop where the fire commenced, and although severe enough, nothing in comparison to what might have been. A bandsaw machine and power lathe with the intermediate gearing were badly damaged, together with the wooden pulleys on the shafting, in addition to a quantity of stores, etc, piled on shelving.
The fire broke through an adjacent window and scorched Mr. Thomson’s motor car, but happily all the other cars, of which there were six or more, were removed before the fire reached them. It is thought the fire originated in a bale of flock which was against the wall between the two damaged machines.
The property was insured in the Commercial Union Fire Assurance Company, Limited, and it will be a matter of adjustment to estimate the damage incurred.
KATANNING HOLOCAUST
FIRE FIEND SWEEPS THE COUNTRY
Damage Estimated at Over £100,000
Sunday Times
15 February, 1925
Bush fires which broke out in the Katanning district on Wednesday were responsible for a wide-spread loss of stock and property that has never been equalled. Word comes from Katanning that severe losses have been sustained by many individual farmers, the aggregate loss in grass; feed and stubble, hay, stock, and implements, amounting possibly to well over £100,000.
The most severe fire, and the one causing the greatest amount of damage was that which, commencing from the north-west of Woodanilling swept through the Marracoonda district to the boundary of Katanning township.
This fire has left in its wake miles of blackened country and devastated fences, whilst from present estimations it appears that more than one thousand sheep have perished, in addition to a few horses and cattle, and a certain amount of machinery and buildings. Though narrow escapes have been mentioned, no homesteads were destroyed.
A sad feature of the outbreak was the death of George E. Dennis, at Woodanilling, an old and highly respected member of the community. It appears that Mr. Dennis demise was due to heart failure, following upon the exertion of battling with the flames. Mr Dennis was endeavouring to plough fire breaks when the flames overtook him and when found by Mr. Tom Prosser, his dead body was supported by a fence, close to where the plough and team were standing.
Mr. Ted Wilhelm also suffered extensive injuries from the fire, and a severely injured arm, caused by his horse plunging and throwing him heavily. Mr. Wilhelm was taken to the Katanning hospital where he now lies in a serious condition.
The stretch of country between Woodanilling and Katanning, through Marracoonda, presents a blackened and forlorn appearance, fences down on all sides, roads obstructed with fallen trees, and erstwhile haystacks now heaps of smouldering cinders.
Further outbreaks occurred at Carrolup, where Mr. Jim Lynes appears to have been the greatest sufferer, and at Cartmeticup, where it is stated, widespread damage has occurred. Kojonup townsite was also menaced by fire, the grass being burned right up to the hospital, whilst a severe outbreak is reported from Tambellup.
Reports state that a large area of the country in the vicinity of the Stirling Ranges was swept by fire, the forest right up the mountain sides being burned.
Amongst the heaviest losers are Mr. Alec. Prosser, 12 tons of hay and a quantity of feed. Mr. Herzel House, 460 sheep, feed and fencing; Eli Quartermaine, 400 sheep, 680 bags of wheat, 200 tons of hay, and a large area of feed and fencing, and Mr. D. Quartermaine, 300 sheep, stack of wheat, feed and fencing. Mr. Ben Hobart and Mr. Fred Wilson are reported to have been swept bare, the latter losing 400 bags of oats. It has been ascertained that the southern portion of Mr. T. Garstone’s property, was ravaged by the fire, fences, grain and sheep being lost.
Reports state that some 120 valuable sheep were burned. Mr. C. Garstone also lost heavily. Mr. H. V. Piesse was a heavy sufferer, losing 100 tons of hay; 20 valuable rams, stables and machinery.
It has been estimated that the fire swept over anything from 40,000 to 50,000 acres of country, and the damage to stock, machinery, buildings, etc, combined with the terrific loss of feed, could not be covered by £100,000.
Referring to the terrible occurrence our Katanning correspondent writes:
“There is no doubt that it has been tragic but was not exactly unexpected. With the wonderful growing season grass and crops have been prolific and given a suitable wind it was realised that a fire would take some stopping. Firebreaks and roads were taken by the fire in its stride, especially in the Marracoonda area. The fire was estimated at times to be travelling at from 13 to 14 miles per hour.
“The scene at night-time, if it had not carried so much damage in its train would have been spectacular. Blazing fences outlined the roads and paddocks for miles, while the burning haystacks flamed up like gigantic bonfires.
“Dame Fortune as usual played a prominent part. Some farms were untouched while on either side the fire raged along, destroying everything. Again, a stack or a shed would seem sure of destruction, and the wind would veer round, and everything remain unscathed.
“Apart from the financial side there is also the humanitarian side. The sheep that were caught in the fires were practically and literally roasted alive. There were pigs also burnt to death, but they tell me that being in doors they would suffocate early. Today (Friday) men have been engaged going through the paddocks and cutting the throats of sheep to put them out of their misery. The wool on these sheep in places is charred, absolutely charred – you can take the wool between your fingers and it crumbles at the touch.”
Many messages of sympathy and offers of assistance have been received by the sufferers from this terrible visitation.
BIG BUSHFIRE AT KATANNING
SIX PROPERTIES DAMAGED
Western Argus (Kalgoorlie)
8 January, 1929
Perth, Jan. 6.
A message from Katanning states that one of the worst fires in the history of that district occurred between Tunneytown and Tambellup on Sunday afternoon. No fewer than six properties were swept by fire and two farmers sustained very heavy losses.
The outbreak occurred in the vicinity of the main west road at 5 p.m. and swept through D. and F. Waters’ property, destroying all their feed and also a shed containing a tractor, portable engine and some bags of oats. Fire-fighters came to the rescue from all parts of the district, and within an hour 200 men were fighting desperately to confine the flames to a given area,
Despite their efforts however, the flames spread to Mrs. K. Sheridan’s farm, destroying practically every vestige of crop. Messrs. Bilney, Stacey, Tunney and Bowman also sustained some loss on their properties, while other with bush paddocks had their land cleared without expenses. Waters Bros. sheep were mustered in the nick of time and rushed to safety.
FIRE AT KATANNING.
House and Outbuildings Gutted.
West Australian
23 February 1935 – p19
KATANNING, Feb. 22.
A seven-room house and its outbuildings at Katanning, on the northern outskirts of the town, which was owned by Arthur Radford and leased by George Applin, were gutted by fire this morning. When the blaze was noticed, all the woodwork of the house was burning fiercely.
The local fire brigade turned out promptly, but the nearest fire plug was almost half a mile away and nothing could be done. Between the blazing residence and the burning outbuildings was an underground tank with a few feet of water in it, but the firemen were unable to approach within 50 yards of it owing to the terrific heat.
The residence was part of a small farming property. Only a small quantity of bedding was saved from the fire. The building itself was covered by insurance but the contents, which were owned by Mr. Applin, were not.
The outbreak is believed to have been caused by sparks from a fire under a household copper. The walls of the building were of plaster, but every rafter was burnt, causing the walls to collapse. In addition to the house, about 15 acres of grassland were burnt by escaping sparks.
BUSHFIRE CONTROL.
A Katanning Conference.
West Australian
30 September, 1940
KATANNING. Sept. 25.
Interesting phases of bushfire control were discussed yesterday when delegates of road boards from the district, and fire control officers, met the Chief Advisory Officer of the Rural Fires Prevention Association, Mr. Giblett.
Emphasising that he had been appointed by the Government in an advisory capacity and that he held no dictatorial powers, Mr. Giblett said he favoured the division of districts into registered zones so that each could become a self-contained and efficient working unit. He realised, however, that local conditions varied but generally speaking a policy of decentralisation could be recommended.
It was necessary to build up a fire conscience in rural areas and enlist the support of ratepayers and rural organisations. Failing co-operation from landholders, boards could enforce the ploughing of firebreaks, which must be regarded as one of the most effective means of controlling outbreaks. A sense of individual responsibility among farmers themselves, strict compliance with the Act during the closed period, and notification of one’s intention to burn during the open season, were the main factors which helped to ensure immunity from fires.
Prevention, emphasised Mr. Giblett, was better than cure. Local authorities should do all in their power to prevent parochialism from entering into the scheme. Rather should they encourage the spirit embodied in the slogan: “Your fire is my fire.”
Delegates mentioned that boards had received applications from charcoal burners of the district to operate during closed periods. With so many gas producers in the country this would have to be seriously considered. There were two means of burning charcoal – the open fire method, which was dangerous in the closed season; and the practice of using smothered pits, which was comparatively safe. Strict control would have to be exercised, but continuity of supplies was essential.
Mr. Giblett replied that the matter was receiving the attention of the Advisory Committee, and that an amendment to the Act to control charcoal burners would be submitted to Parliament during the present session.
One member referred to the practice of cleaning out hoppers of gas producers on roadsides and the danger of dropping lighted clinker during summer months.
Discussion took place on the problem of insurance, and the difficulty of obtaining volunteers from larger townships to fight fires on neighbouring grass and bush country. Mr. Giblett said a proposal was being considered to cover registered brigade members and volunteers by means of a comprehensive policy.
Other matters referred to were the danger of ploughing firebreaks too close to boundary fences (to be properly efficient these should be two chains inside the fence); the efficiency of spark arrestors on railway locomotives, and the necessity for clearing wide and clean breaks along boundary fences in red-gum country.
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Looking Back to Dwellingup – 1961
As bushfires burn across Australia, we look back to 1961. This ABC News report shows how communities around Dwellingup in Western Australia fought and survived bushfires. There are many things that have changed, but also many things that remain the same – including the community spirit to help those in need.
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WHAT IS FIRE?
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Slower oxidative processes like rusting or digestion are not included by this definition.
Fire is hot because conversion of the weak double bond in molecular oxygen, O2, to the stronger bonds in the combustion products carbon dioxide and water releases energy (418 kJ per 32 g of O2); the bond energies of the fuel play only a minor role here. At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition point, flames are produced.
The flame is the visible portion of the fire. Flames consist primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen. If hot enough, the gases may become ionized to produce plasma. Depending on the substances alight, and any impurities outside, the color of the flame and the fire’s intensity will be different.
Fire in its most common form can result in conflagration, which has the potential to cause physical damage through burning. Fire is an important process that affects ecological systems around the globe. The positive effects of fire include stimulating growth and maintaining various ecological systems.
The negative effects of fire include hazard to life and property, atmospheric pollution, and water contamination. If fire removes protective vegetation, heavy rainfall may lead to an increase in soil erosion by water.
Also, when vegetation is burned, the nitrogen it contains is released into the atmosphere, unlike elements such as potassium and phosphorus which remain in the ash and are quickly recycled into the soil. This loss of nitrogen caused by a fire produces a long-term reduction in the fertility of the soil, which only slowly recovers as nitrogen is “fixed” from the atmosphere by lightning and by leguminous plants such as clover.
Fire has been used by humans in rituals, in agriculture for clearing land, for cooking, generating heat and light, for signalling, propulsion purposes, smelting, forging, incineration of waste, cremation, and as a weapon or mode of destruction.
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