Bushfire Strikes West Toodyay

On November 28, 2024, a bushfire ignited in West Toodyay, prompting an emergency warning as flames threatened homes and properties. Residents were urged to evacuate if safe to do so.

Thankfully, the swift response of firefighters, aided by aerial support, brought the blaze under control. The fire was contained north of the railway line adjacent to the Avon River, leading to the downgrading of the alert level.

The fire was started by a contractor working for an electricity supply utility. The machinery operator did not have adequate resources at hand while operating machinery during the prohibited burning period, a requirement under the Bushfires Act 1954.’

The Fire’s Impact on the Environment

While the immediate threat to lives and property has subsided, the fire has left a significant environmental impact. The blaze scorched approximately  18 ha of vegetation in total, including 9 ha of vital riparian zones along the Avon River.

Riparian vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining river health. Traditionally riparian vegetation grows close to the waters edge where it provides shade to limit rises in stream temperature and sustain aquatic vertebrates.

Since the River Training Scheme a focus has been more on filtering run-off while at the same time providing a sediment trap. The vegetation is also home to a myriad of birds and particularly insects. Many of the trees won’t survive so regrowth will depend almost entirely on a healthy seed bank – if it’s had a chance to accumulate.

Furthermore, the fire may have inadvertently cleared the way for invasive species to proliferate. Non-native plants like smallflower tamarisk (Tamarix parviflora), giant reed (Arundo donax), caster oil plant (Ricinus communis), soursob (Oxalis pes caprae) and spiny rush (Juncus acutus) can outcompete native vegetation, further disrupting the delicate ecosystem. They reduce the diversity of the invertebrate community, thus reducing the food available for birds and aquatic species.

The creation of emergency firebreaks, while necessary to combat the fire, can also contribute to soil erosion and sedimentation in the river.

As the community recovers, it is crucial to prioritize restoration efforts and implement long-term strategies to protect the environment and ensure the resilience of the Avon River ecosystem.

Click images to enlarge (photos by J. Donegan).