Bushfires in south-west Western Australia have raged through sections of the popular Bibbulmun Track, destroying several campsites and the historic Long Gully Bridge, which was an essential crossing over the Murray River.
Three fires in the region ran out of control this week, with the largest threatening homes and lives around Northcliffe, with two houses succumbing to the blaze.
Overnight, favourable weather conditions and hard work from WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services alongside the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) finally managed to bring this fire under control, with emergency services minister, Joe Francis dubbing it “the biggest in decades”.
Bushfire races towards Long Gully Bridge on the Bibbulmun Track.
While this threat has been removed, other fires continue in the state and visitors are being encouraged to stay clear of the area, with Bibbulmun Track Foundation chairman, Mike Wood posting a notice online to notify people of the danger.
The track is currently inaccessible from Mount Dale to Randall Road, Dwellingup to Collie and Pemberton to Walpole.
“It is imperative that people do not head out onto the Track on any section and if they are out on the Track that they leave as soon as they are able,” Wood wrote, noting the unpredictable nature of the nearby bushfires.
Wood also pledges the Foundation’s full support to DPaW in restoring the Bibbulmun Track in the future, while also asking his members to be prepare to volunteer if required.
The worse news for hikers: it is unclear when the track will be full accessible again.
“If you are considering doing an end-to-end in 2015 you will need to put your plans on hold for the moment.”
Supporters are encouraged to become members with the foundation if they are to pledge their support on what promised to be a rough road ahead.