Kangaroo Island bushfires
Encyclopedia
The Kangaroo Island Bushfires were a series of bushfires caused by lightning strike
s on the 6 December 2007 on Kangaroo Island South Australia
, resulting in 95,000 ha of land being destroyed. The fires occurred mainly across the western side of the island near Flinders Chase National Park
, Vivonne Bay, D'Estrees Bay
, Western River and Riverleas.
The D'Estrees Bay
fire in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park
was contained by 12 December 2007, while intense fires in the west, which included the protected areas of Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area
, were more difficult to extinguish.
On the 14th December 2007, the Country Fire Service
officially announced that all fires were contained. The event was South Australia's largest bush fire operation to date with over 800 personnel, 7 fixed wing water bombers and an Elvis Skycrane Helitanker
all assisting in firefighting efforts, together with units from Victoria's Country Fire Authority and the Rural Fire Service of New South Wales.
had been considered but was rejected on the 10 December 2007 due to cooler conditions. A state of emergency would have seen the Australian Army
move in to assist the Country Fire Service and Department of Environment personnel.
The total damage bill is estimated at $2.3m.
Lightning strike
Lightning strikes are electrical discharges caused by lightning, typically during thunderstorms.Humans can be hit by lightning directly when outdoors. Contrary to popular notion, there is no 'safe' location outdoors. People have been struck in sheds and makeshift shelters...
s on the 6 December 2007 on Kangaroo Island South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
, resulting in 95,000 ha of land being destroyed. The fires occurred mainly across the western side of the island near Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase is a national park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, 213 km southwest of Adelaide. It is a sanctuary for endangered species and home to a few geological phenomena....
, Vivonne Bay, D'Estrees Bay
D'Estrees Bay
D'Estrees Bay is located on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island , South Australia, and is situated 39km south of Kingscote, the Island's main town.D'Estrees Bay is one of many places on Kangaroo Island named by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin....
, Western River and Riverleas.
The D'Estrees Bay
D'Estrees Bay
D'Estrees Bay is located on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island , South Australia, and is situated 39km south of Kingscote, the Island's main town.D'Estrees Bay is one of many places on Kangaroo Island named by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin....
fire in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park
Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park
Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park is located on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Attractions include Murray Lagoon and D'Estrees Bay....
was contained by 12 December 2007, while intense fires in the west, which included the protected areas of Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area
Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area
Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area is located on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.-External links:* - Department for Environment and Heritage...
, were more difficult to extinguish.
On the 14th December 2007, the Country Fire Service
Country Fire Service
The SA Country Fire Service is a volunteer based fire service in the state of South Australia in Australia. Many parts of Australia are sparsely populated whilst at the same time they are under significant risk of bushfire. Due to economics, it is prohibitively expensive for each Australian town...
officially announced that all fires were contained. The event was South Australia's largest bush fire operation to date with over 800 personnel, 7 fixed wing water bombers and an Elvis Skycrane Helitanker
Elvis (helicopter)
"Elvis" is the nickname of an Erickson S-64 Air-Crane Helitanker which has gained fame in Australia as a highly visible and valuable tool in bushfire suppression. The helicopter, which can hold 9,500 litres of water or foam mix, has been brought out by the Victorian Government from the USA for...
all assisting in firefighting efforts, together with units from Victoria's Country Fire Authority and the Rural Fire Service of New South Wales.
Possible State of Emergency
A state of emergencyState of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
had been considered but was rejected on the 10 December 2007 due to cooler conditions. A state of emergency would have seen the Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
move in to assist the Country Fire Service and Department of Environment personnel.
Summary
Before being contained on 16 December 2007, over 900 km² ( or 20% of the Island ) had been burnt, principally within National Park and Conservation Reserves. The most serious outbreak occurred in Flinders Chase, with 630 km² ( or 85% of the total Park area ) having been burnt.The total damage bill is estimated at $2.3m.