Department of Fire and Emergency Services incident controller Peter Sutton looks at the damage in Medina.
Camera IconDepartment of Fire and Emergency Services incident controller Peter Sutton looks at the damage in Medina. Credit: Supplied/Robin Kornet

Arsonists leave trail of destruction

Staff ReporterWeekend Kwinana Courier

A Department of Environment and Conservation spokesperson said the fire in the Port Kennedy Scientific Park may cause dune erosion and weed infestation in the Scientific Park.

The park’s Holocene dune swales, or ridges, are listed as a threatened ecological community under a Commonwealth Act.

The Medina fire, which closed Gentle Road, was contained and under control thanks to the efforts of 30 career and volunteer fire fighters by early Wednesday morning. It is under investigation by the arson squad.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The Port Kennedy blaze, believed to have been deliberately lit about 11am on February 24, was extinguished by a crew of more than 25 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service and DEC fire fighters from five |stations. The fire came close to spotting into the nearby residential area due to unfavourable wind conditions.

DEC officers put in mineral earth breaks by hand to stop the fire spreading, and fire fighters were supported by three helitacs and the air intelligence helicopter.

‘DEC officers revisited the fire ground the following day to ensure the fire had not reignited and to determine the extent of damage to the park’s vegetation,’ they said.

‘No reports of injured wildlife were received as a result of the fire. Dune swales have been impacted by the |fire and erosion and exposure of coastal vegetation may result.’

Species typical of these vegetation communities include climbing lignum, golden wreath wattle, bare twig-rush and knotted club-rush.

Some of the fauna species found within the Scientific Park include the Perth lined lerista lizard and black striped snake.

People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.