January 2026 giga-fire

by Gil Craig & Alan Hordacre

On 16th January, lightning ignited at least two fires in the Wilderness Zone of the Fitzgerald River National Park.  This ended up being one of the largest fires recorded in the South-West region in contemporary history. It took 17 days for the fires to be controlled resulting in about 173,000 ha of the park and surrounds being burnt.  The fire burnt about 145,000 ha (44%) within the park, comparable to the December 1989 wildfires which burnt 140,000 ha.

We express our sincere gratitude for the staff of the Departments of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and volunteer brigade crews from near and far for their efforts to contain the fire in very difficult circumstances. We also commend our local communities and businesses for their immense ancillary support.

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That the fire became so large so quickly and impacted so much is a very grave concern
that we share with our local bushfire brigades and conservation estate managers.
Furthermore, we share the inescapable reality that the fire management status quo is
inadequate and systemic change to greatly improve bushfire response and suppression ability is needed.

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The Friends have written to the Minister for the Environment, Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC, requesting a full review of the fire and for it to be genuinely independent and comprehensive.  We consider that a complex discussion is required to redesign management practices for the vulnerable ecosystems of Fitzgerald River National Park and similar areas in along the South Coast, so that further degradation does not occur.

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The giga-fire demonstrates that bushfire mitigation by prescribed burning was generally ineffective; needing to be recent, frequent and large to be effective, which ultimately degrades the intricate ecosystems of the Fitzgerald Biosphere. Fire suppression actions were under-equipped, too slow, distant and destructive, and therefore unsatisfactory against fast-moving fires in this fragile and vulnerable environment.

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Some areas of the Park have now burnt two or three times in the past 36 years. The Park’s extensive kwongkan heath and eucalypt mallet/ moort communities are sensitive to short fire intervals. When vegetation burns at intervals of less than 15-20 years, the risk of localised extinction for some plant species increases, with flow-on effects for wildlife.

On 31 January, four Friends’ members joined DBCA Rangers to visit the park. High intensity fire had incinerated much of the vegetation on Pabelup Drive and all vegetation except some small pockets on the Twertup Track. Remarkably a live skink and fresh signs of Echidna and Brush Wallaby activity were seen. Plants had shed their seeds ready for what will hopefully be steady and consistent rains in autumn and winter. Tiny green signs of life could be seen on the grass trees. Fauna will certainly benefit from a comprehensive and ongoing fox and cat control programme being undertaken by DBCA.

Twertup Field Studies Centre
The Studies Centre was opened eight years ago after the original building was destroyed by fire in 2008. The rebuild was a task that took 10 years of effort by the Friends.

Fortunately, despite no firefighters being able to safely access the area when the giga-fire was active, there has been only minor damage to the main building and other infrastructure. A precision retardant drop by DBCA air attack along with a pre-prepared, permanent fuel-reduced buffer, other careful fuel mitigation and the use of low or non-flammable building materials certainly slowed and reduced the intensity of the fire when it approached and made contact with the Studies Centre. This work certainly reduced damage and possibly saved the buildings.

Two windows have minor cracks and PVC downpipes have been melted or burnt on three sides of the main building. Plans are afoot to make the necessary repairs.  Water tanks will need to be cleaned due to retardant pollution.  Signage and markers along the walk trails need to be replaced.

Consequently, the centre will remain closed to the public until repairs are completed.

We encourage new members (a share to your friends appreciated) or cash donations via our membership page to assist with the repairs to Twertup and foster the rehabilitation, recovery and protection of the unique flora and fauna disrupted and displaced by the fire.