Flinders Ranges - 2014 Bangor fire

in #nature6 years ago

In early 2014 the Southern Finders Ranges in South Australia suffered from a devastating bush fire. The fire (known as the Bangor fire) raged for a month — from January 14 to February 14.

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The fire burnt 35,000 hectares of thick scrub and farmland. 5 Arial bombers and more than 200 firefighters actively worked to protect the townships of Wirrabarra, Kaura, Napperby, Nelshaby, Stone hut and beetaloo Valley.
Many were asked to evacuate their homes. 6 houses, several sheds, farming fencing, livestock, native animals and most of the Wirrabarra forest was destroyed.

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Temperatures were well into the 40's and winds reached 30-40 km/h gusting to 50. Elderly Residents have said its the biggest bush fire in the area they've ever seen. One resident said he observed whirly winds with flames, maybe 40 to 50 metres high.

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Finally Heavy rain put out the bushfire. 70-100 millimetres of rain fell over much of the fire ground.
Then the Ranges suffered from soil erosion. Topsoil was washed away due to lack of vegetation. Flooding occurred in some areas.
Debris and ash found its way to farming water making it unpalatable to livestock.

The communities came together to clean up and support each other, Veterinarians and wildlife experts from all over Australia came to heal and euthanize injured animals. Individuals, clubs and businesses offered shelter to those that had to evacuate from their homes, Fire fighters and emergency services volunteered their time. It's certainly is amazing how people can come together and support each other in times of need.

Today 4 years later the Flinders Ranges is looking beautiful again. The regrowth is looking good and wildlife is flourishing. We still suffer from drought and scorching weather, but bushfires have been manageable. Unfortunately some of the creeks and reservoirs have dried out. Hopefully winter will bring us enough rain to fill them again.

The hills after the fire

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Napperby reserve a couple of weeks after the flooding

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Flinders Ranges today

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I remember being told about this fire and the following flood by a homeschooling mother who'd moved to the Flinders. They had lots of animals they had to evacuate and ended up letting most of the birds free to fend for themselves. A rescue possum couldn't be reached and stayed in its shed, but luckily the CFS guys managed to save the property, sheds and all by keeping them hosed down. The possum survived.

It must have been terrifying!

It was terrible. We were told to evacuate. I took the kids to their grandparents house, then went back for the animals. I had to keep 2 cats in my parents laundry, chickens in their shade house and guinea pigs in a box in the bathroom (the air conditioner wasn't good and the bathroom was the coolest room in the house) We were lucky we didn't lose any homes in our town. Unfortunately in other areas of the Flinders range many lost pets and livestock and I hate to think about all the wild animals that suffered. I'm glad your friends property was saved and that the possum survived.

Oh goodness. So glad y'all made it thru intact!

Thank you! Many lives and homes were saved due to the heroic efforts of the fire fighters.

That's so sad about the animals. When we had the fire here that started at Sampson Flat I heard a story of a family who were prepared for fighting the fire, but were out when it It started. They were stopped from returning to the house and lost their dogs and a lot of livestock. I was in tears reading it.

Oh no, that's just horrible, that poor family. Such a terrible way to lose lives.

very nice photos and informative post 👍🏻

Thank you, viktoriyani!

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