In the interests of public safety, Fire and Emergency Services (FESA) have determined that Kings Park and Botanic Garden will remain closed to all traffic for the remainder of the day, except for Fraser Avenue to the John Forest roundabout, which will be reopened this afternoon.
A fire began at approximately 6.30 am at the south-west Crawley end of Kings Park in bushland this morning, resulting in over 20 hectares of bushland being burnt by mid afternoon Friday 16 January. As of mid afternoon, no infrastructure has been damaged, apart from minor damage to the rock catch fence adjacent to Mounts Bay Road.
Marcelle Broderick, acting CEO of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA), said that in the interests of public safety, Fire and Emergency Services (FESA) have determined that Kings Park and Botanic Garden should remain closed to all traffic for the remainder of the day, except for Fraser Avenue to the John Forest roundabout, which will be reopened this afternoon. The hot and windy conditions and unpredictability of the wind gusts have caused further spot fires this afternoon and further fire damage to the escarpment. As a result, Mounts Bay Road remains closed.
Ms Broderick said that Fraser's Restaurant and the main carpark will remain operational and can be accessed via Fraser Avenue, however pedestrians, cyclists and cars are not to enter any other areas, including the Botanic Garden. There will be no access into the majority of the Park until FESA determine that it is safe for public access. The Lotterywest Family Area including Stickybeaks Cafe, and Next Generation Kings Park, which are accessed from Kings Park Road are not directly affected by these road closures and will remain open.
Events such as Moonlight Cinema at Synergy Parkland, Prompt Corner Children's Theatre at Saw Avenue and Shakespeare in the Park in the Botanic Garden will all be cancelled for tonight (Friday 16 January) but it is anticipated that all events and operations in all areas of the park will recommence tomorrow (Saturday 17 January).
FESA investigators are searching for the arsonist responsible and anybody with information about the fire is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In the case of smoke or fire being witnessed on any day in Kings Park and Botanic Garden or Bold Park, Ms Broderick reminded the community to call 000.
It is expected the burnt areas will start to regenerate following the first autumn rains, and return to good cover within four to five years assisted by BGPA staff undertaking weed control and some replanting as required.
Ms Broderick said that on behalf of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, she was very appreciative of the collaborative efforts and professionalism of all those organisations involved in containing the fire, particularly Fire and Emergency Services, Kings Park fire crew staff, Department of Conservation, the local government Bush Fire Brigades and the many volunteers who have assisted on site, and the Salvation Army for their support of the fire-fighters involved.
Further information: Marcelle Broderick 9480 3605
A/Chief Executive Officer
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority