Volunteer firefighters congratulated for extinguishing Fitzroy Crossing fire

Volunteer firefighters have been congratulated for working late into the evening to put out a blaze that threatened housing and critical infrastructure near Fitzroy Crossing last week.

The fire was sparked between Buruwa and Junjuwa communities on Saturday, August 2 and spread quickly towards Junjuwa and Fitzroy Crossing Airport by strong winds before crossing into the Fitzroy Crossing cemetery area and threatening nearby pastoral stations.

Volunteer firefighters and emergency services worked to control the fire under extremely challenging conditions into the evening, the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley said.

“The shire acknowledges the outstanding efforts of those involved,” it said in a statement.

All fire mitigation measures, including firebreaks and emergency access, were in place ahead of the incident, according to the shire, which is now working with emergency services to determine the cause of the blaze.

“Damage assessments are now under way, including to the airport fence and cemetery, and any further updates will be provided as the recovery progresses,” the shire said.