Bushfire emergency: Fire chief reflects on massive inferno that threatened to wipe Denmark off the map

The head of the region’s firefighting services has reflected on the inferno that destroyed four homes and threatened to wipe the town of Denmark off the map. Firefighters have long spoken about the threat of a big bushfire to the lush forested areas around Denmark — including the town itself. On Saturday, after a significant breakout on the fire’s north-eastern edge, that nightmare was threatening to become a reality. Department of Fire and Emergency Services Great Southern Superintendent Wayne Green said the fire had the potential to be catastrophic for the town of Denmark. “The most nervous moment was potentially knowing the fire in that landscape wouldn’t be contained before reaching the town,” Supt Green said. “That fire had the potential to take out the town of Denmark. “Hence why so much effort went into containing the eastern flank of the fire to prevent it from impacting the town of Denmark. “We have simulated this exact fire and used that to make sure we are exercising and identifying any gaps in our response so we can avoid making mistakes when it comes to the real effort. “The (fire) response effort was exceptional and the strategies implemented were effective.” As the smoke clears around William Bay and Shadforth — the areas worst hit by the huge blaze — Supt Green praised the local fire crews for playing a key role in bringing it under control. Fifty-three homes were saved inside the fire ground, with stories of dozens of close calls emerging in the aftermath. “It was exceptional, the effort and commitment of the local crews,” Supt Green said. “Local knowledge is paramount in Denmark, knowing access to homes and what can be defended and what can’t. “It showed as we managed to save over 50 properties in that fire area and about 1500 more by stopping it from getting to the town.” Supt Green said there had already been some key lessons from the level three incident. An estimated 30 per cent of Denmark townsite residents evacuated on Friday and Saturday. “The town responded to the evacuation warning and appreciated the potential of this fire,” he said. “We can always prepare better but that’s a choice left to property owners, how they can best prepare themselves and their property. “People choose to live in these locations. Our preference is for people to make their decisions early and be well prepared for what that decision is, preferably based on fire danger ratings ahead of any incident.” In reference to the anti-prescribed-burning element in the community, Supt Green said prescribed burns were critical in the region. “They’re entitled to their views and beliefs,” he said. “However, the evidence is there if we reduce fuel loads in the landscape, it will result in less intense fires and we have more chance of containing and controlling these fires early. “It also gives the community an improved opportunity to stay and actively defend. “If there is less impact to lives, property and the environment it means we can recover quickly from these fires.” Shire of Denmark chief executive David Schober paid tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who had saved the town. “Our community is deeply grateful to all involved in this massive firefighting effort and I know we will continue to feel that gratitude in the weeks and months ahead,” Mr Schober said. “As we move into the recovery phase, the Shire of Denmark will work closely with community members who have been impacted and will continue to reach out with support in whatever way we can. “Recovery from bushfire is a marathon, not a sprint but we know our community is resilient and will pull together to assist those families and businesses impacted.” Denmark officer-in-charge Sergeant Matt Hartfield said that local police in consultation with Arson Squad detectives, had deemed last week’s fire non-suspicious.