Bushfire Deliberately Lit Near Ancient Trees in Western Australia

On April 25, 2024, a bushfire was deliberately lit near 400-year-old red tingle trees in Walpole, Western Australia, approximately 400km south of Perth. Firefighters responded to the blaze and discovered seven ignition points spanning 20km, indicating the fire was intentionally set.

The out-of-control fire has already burned through 8,000 hectares and is threatening lives and homes about 50km west of Denmark. It has created a massive 700km smoke plume visible from space. Around 70 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is exhibiting extreme fire behavior due to high winds and dry fuel loads.

Authorities have issued an emergency warning for the area, and the police arson squad is investigating the incident. Reports of a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity are being followed up. Popular walking trails and tourist attractions, such as the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, have been closed as the fire spreads in their direction.

Why this matters: The deliberate lighting of bushfires poses a severe threat to lives, property, and the environment. The targeting of an area with ancient and ecologically significant trees raises concerns about the motives behind such destructive acts.

The dry conditions in the southern region this year have made the fire harder to contain and control. While the blaze remains within containment lines, it is not yet contained or controlled. Authorities are deeply concerned about the impact on the forest environment.

"Any fire that is deliberately lit is a matter of concern to us," said a Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson. "The fact that this fire is threatening such an ecologically sensitive area with 400-year-old trees is particularly distressing. We will be working closely with the police to investigate this incident and bring those responsible to justice."

Key Takeaways

• Bushfire deliberately lit near 400-year-old trees in Walpole, Western Australia.
• Fire has burned 8,000 hectares, creating a 700km smoke plume visible from space.
• Police arson squad investigating, reports of a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity.
• Authorities deeply concerned about impact on the forest environment.
• Deliberate bushfires pose severe threat to lives, property, and the environment.