Eyre Peninsula Bushfire 2
Eyre Peninsula Bushfire 2 : The blaze raged through the caravan park at North Shields, destroying cabins and caravans. Residents at Louth Bay were forced to evacuate and seek refuge on nearby beaches. Some residents had to be rescued from the sea by emergency services after taking refuge in the water. Eight people, including four children, died in their cars as they tried to flee the firestorm. A local schoolteacher also died when flames engulfed the Shell Museum at North Shields, near Port Lincoln. Approximately 110 were reported injured, including five who suffered serious burns and were flown to Adelaide for treatment. Several people were treated at Port Lincoln Hospital for burns and smoke inhalation. The fire was contained on 12 January after burning for two days. Property damage included 93 homes, dozens of cars, 15 caravans, two buses, three cabins, one shop, three vans and four boats. There was also extensive damage to rural infrastructure, including water mains, power lines and telephone infrastructure. Approximately 47,000 livestock, mainly sheep, were killed by the fire or later destroyed by property owners. All fencing within the burnt area was destroyed, and about 95% of pastures destroyed. Recovery effort: Eyre Peninsula residents came together to provide emergency accommodation and assistance for fire victims at several assembly points. Recovery centres were established at Port Lincoln High School and Cummins Bowling Club. Within days of the bushfire, the South Australian Government established the West Coast Recovery Committee to oversee all aspects of the recovery effort. Vince Monterola, a former CEO of the Country Fire Service, was appointed chairman. He was supported by a leadership team of 10 people assigned different areas including accommodation, counselling and infrastructure. Amongst other benefits and support provided by the government, a grant of $10,000 was provided to all farmers affected by the fire to assist with immediate needs
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