The fire that burned through 20 hectares of wetland at herdsman lake will pose little threat to the wildlife that call the area home.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is the government body that manages Western Australia’s parks, forests and reserves to maintain biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
The DBCA is the main body that manages the wildlife conservation at Herdsman Lake, and will be a part maintaining healthy recovery from the fire in the wetlands.
However, the DBCA feels there is minimal need for intervention in the recovery of the area.
“The fire burnt areas of Typha bulrushes with scattered swamp paperbark trees. DBCA does not expect any immediate impacts on wildlife from the fire, as most are mobile and able to move away from fire, particularly a slow-moving fire such as this one,” said a DBCA spokesperson.
They are however aware that the loss of reeds and trees will affect breeding areas for wildlife in the spring.
The rehabilitation process will most likely be self-sufficient, due to the moisture and nutrients available by the lake to fuel the regrowth.
The DCBA expects to not be involved in any works boosting the rehabilitation of the area but will monitor its progression and control any weeds that are found to grow post bushfire.
A timeline for how long the recovery process will take is currently unknown.
“The fire is still active, and it is too early to put a timeline on a full assessment. Much of the area affected is in the wetland core and access will be challenging due to standing water,” said the spokesperson.
No threats to life or properties
DFES responded to reports of smoke rising from Herdsman Lake, near Jon Sanders Drive in Glendalough, around 10:30am Monday morning.
“Six appliances made up of firefighters from Osborne Park, Daglish, Malaga and Joondalup Career Fire and Rescue Service attended and located a bushfire burning in vegetation within the lake. Air intel supported ground crews from?above,” said a DFES Spokesperson
The fire burnt through nearly twenty hectares of land within an inaccessible area of the lake. Firefighters had to wait until it reached the accessible lake edge to act.
There have been no threats to lives or homes.
Public should avoid the area
A bushfire advice warning for the surrounding suburbs of Glendalough, Osbourne Park and Wembley is was put in place, with The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) asking the public to stay away from the wetland area.
“Fire Investigation Officers have deemed the cause undetermined with suspicious circumstances,” said the spokesperson.
Herdsman Lake is the largest wetland area in the inner metropolitan area, home to over 100 species of birds.
The area is also a cultural heritage site. It was called Ngurgenboro by the Noongar people and was used as a source of food and as a meeting place. For European Settlers, the lake was used for the resettlement of returned soldiers.
Samuel Sparkes
I am a student journalist for ECU Vanguard News, covering a broad range of stories and news formats
