Immense bushfire burning through kimberley wildlife sanctuary
Immense bushfire burning through kimberley wildlife sanctuary
15 October 2016
published by http://info-europa.com
Australia A bushfire in the states north thats razed over a million hectares has now burnt ten kilometres into a Kimberley wildlife sanctuary, with fire crews scrambling to contain it.Fire crews and volunteers have been battling the blaze since late September after it was sparked by a lightning strike at Ellenbrae Station in the Kimberley. The fire has burned over a million hectares. Photo: @awconservancy Despite their best efforts in hot, blustery conditions, the fire has moved steadily toward the Mornington-Marion Downs Wildlife Sanctuary, breaking containment lines on Thursday with strong winds fanning the flames into the protected area described as a showcase for conservation in northern Australia.
Kimberley fire now burnt 10km into Marion Downs with perimeter of 90km. 8 ppl deployed on property, supported by helicopter, to fight fire. pic.twitter.com/pn5PlI4VGt Australian Wildlife October 15, 2016
Firefighters from Perth have flown north to help contain the blaze. Photo: @awconservancy
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy said the Mornington-Marion Downs area capture a high diversity of wildlife including critically important populations of threatened species such as the Gouldian Finch, the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren and Northern Quoll.
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The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said a team of seven firefighters from Perth has flown up to the firefront to help co-ordinate the effort to fight it, working alongside pastoralists, indigenous groups, Kimberley Land Council Rangers, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and Parks and Wildlife officers.The fire is burning out of control and DFES said crews are battling the blazes southern end while monitoring the north. DFES advises locals that the fire is burning on Gibb River Station, Mount Elizabeth Station, Drysdale River Station, Ellenbrae Station and Kurinji Station, near the Gibb River Road and
