Fire at Browns Range Tip- June 2021

The fire started on Saturday 29th June. The cause of the fire is not known; it is potentially spontaneous combustion of broken down vegetation or a lightning strike. Volunteers from the Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service attended with Shire Staff on Saturday. They established that it was both unsafe and unpractical to extinguish due to the fire being deep within the green waste pile. It was agreed that the fire would be monitored over the weekend. In consultation with the Department of Fire and Emergency service, the Shire has decided to aerate the pile to promote burning during daylight hours. This is expected to continue for quite some time due to the size of the green waste pile progress is to be continually monitored and reviewed every two days. It is expected we will be able to provide further updates after those meetings. 

Who is looking after the Fire? The Shire of Carnarvon is currently managing the fire in consultation with local volunteers and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Other agencies are being consulted as required.

What are we trying to achieve? The Waste Site crews are working hard using heavy machinery to aerate the pile during the day to promote the burning of the green waste material. This is an effort to minimise smoke and decrease the time the pile will take to burn out. Due to the nature of green waste and how it breaks down, fires within it are hard and dangerous to extinguish. By aerating the pile, it will reduce the available fuel most safely and efficiently. By taking this course of action, ground crews will be able to access the fire sooner and more safely to extinguish it. Fire Suppression equipment is on-site and standing by to work as soon as it is safe to do so. Due to the large size of the pile and the heat generated by it, no timeline can currently be given; however, updates will be provided when they are available.

What does this mean for residents and ratepayers? Residents and ratepayers can expect to see smoke from the facility; they can expect reduced capacity at the facility and potentially short notice closures. It may also mean that there may be smoke in town in the mornings due to low wind. This is dependent on wind and weather, and all efforts will be made to ensure the impact on the town is minimal.

What can residents do about the smoke? While every effort will be made to minimise the smoke, it is not possible to completely remove it

Stay Informed – The Shire will continue to update the situation be aware of smoke and updates if a smoke alert is issued, it will be available on www.emergency.wa.gov.au Smoke and your Health – People with conditions that are exacerbated by smoke should take precautions in line with their medical advice. If affected by smoke, consult a doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. Driving – Take extra care, turn on headlights and drive slowly if smoke affects visibility. Also, beware that if accessing the waste facility, staff and fire crews may be working in the area. 

Who can residents contact? 

For further information regarding this incident, please contact the Shire of Carnarvon Directly 08 9941 0000 or by email  For Further Health information, Consult your Doctor, Visit the Department of Health Website www.healthywa.gov.au or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 For official warnings and alerts, visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au , call 13 337 or tune in to local ABC radio.  For all fires and emergencies, please call 000