Bush Fire Sign
Porongurup Road
Porongurup Road
Porongurup Road-Millinup Estate
Porongurup Road
Porongurup Road
Porongurup Road
Porongurup Road
Millinup Estate
Porongurup Road
What a sad sight
Porongurup Road
Spring Road
| The Chalets |
|---|
| Tariffs and Specials |
| Little Extras |
| Contact Us |
| How To Find Us |
| Kids Stuff |
|---|
| Meet The Animals |
| Attractions |
| Local History |
| Wineries |
| Home |
Suprisingly, the Porongurup Area looks ,in the main, undamaged apart from a 3km section of Porongurup Road. Yes, the Porongurups are still in action!
The Bush Fire that roared through our beautiful National Park is now officially out. This is is the first fire to come through this area since 1956. The fire began on private property next to Duke's Winery, and took off into the National Park behind it. After burning over to the southern slopes of the Porongurups, a strong northerly saw it burn back over the peaks and down to Porongurup Road. It was believed to be contained at this stage, but it subsequently jumped Porongurup Road in 3 places. After that it was out of control and burning on private property between Surrey Downs Road and Spring Road. Our hearts go out to the two families who lost their homes, and to those on Spring Road, many of whom lost vehicles and out buildings. Millinup Estate Wines and Abbey Creek Winery were extremely lucky not to lose their homes too, with the fire literally at their front doors. The Porongurup Community Hall was also saved. The fire came very close to the actual Porongurup townsite, but thankfully, not through it. The fire at one stage was moving at 2km per hour. Jingalla Winery lost a plantation, but the fire amazingly was not allowed to reach their homes and gardens. THE WINE FESTIVAL IS MOST DEFINITELY ON! Sadly, Ironwood Estate lost their vineyard -at least for this harvest. Millinup Estate Wines lost part of their vineyard, and all the vineyards are worried about smoke contamination to their fruit for this year's vintage.
The hundreds firefighters and volunteers who fought this fire are amazing. Without their determination and skill, many more homes and businesses would have been lost. We urge all of the community to attend the BBQ at the Hall on Saturday (24/2) to thank all the volunteers and Fireys who saved Porongurup from devastation.
The Porongurup National Park is currently closed, and the mountainous terrain makes it difficult to gauge the true extent of the damage to date. The main danger is from falling trees and branches. It is heartwrenching to see the park now, but rest assured, the PORONGURUPS ARE STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS, and the community sprirt is stronger than ever.
All of us at Cloud Nine are grateful to have been spared any damage- we were very lucky and have the wind to thank for keeping the fire on the "right" side of Chester Pass Road
Here are some pictures that I took on Friday morning (16/2). Scroll to the right to see all pictures.
LUCKILY THESE PICTURES ARE ONLY A SMALL SECTION OF PORONGURUP ROAD- the fire wasn't allowed to get too far along before our firefighters had it controlled. The majority of the fire damage is through the National Park, and up high where it is hard to see from ground level.
Click on each pic for a larger image