Fire crews continue the clean up in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, following a devastating fire which burnt over 20 hectares of bushland on Friday 16 January.
The fire began at approximately 6.30 am at the south-west Crawley end of Kings Park in bushland and took fire crews most of the day to contain due to high temperatures and strong variable winds. A flare-up on Saturday 17 January, prolonged park closures and scheduled events were cancelled Friday and Saturday evenings.No major infrastructure was damaged, apart from minor damage to the rock catch fence adjacent to Mounts Bay Road.
FESA investigators are searching for the arsonist responsible and anybody who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in Kings Park, especially off a dirt track near Forrest Drive (near Balga Carpark - refer to map) is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.
The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority is very appreciative of the collaborative efforts of all organisations involved and would particularly like to thank Fire and Emergency Services, Kings Park fire crew staff, the WA Police, Department of Conservation, the local government Bush Fire Brigades, the Salvation Army and the many volunteers who have assisted on site.