Dangerous bushfire threatening homes in Mowanjum and Derby brought under control

A fierce fire that threatened lives and homes in Derby and Mowanjum remote community last week has been brought under control, with the efforts of emergency services saving the community from damage.

On September 10, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning as the fast-moving fire placed homes on Third, Fourth and Fifteenth Streets in Mowanjum under direct threat.

Residents were told it was too late to leave and were urged to shelter inside, in a room with running water and a clear exit, as extreme heat was expected to become deadly before flames reached homes.

DFES also advised that if homes caught fire and became unsafe people should move to an area that had already been burnt.

Fire crews worked to protect properties, particularly around Mowanjum, as the bushfire burned out of control.

By the afternoon, DFES confirmed conditions had improved and the alert was downgraded to a bushfire watch and act.

The fire was still not contained and continued to burn in a south-westerly direction, with DFES urging those in the affected area to stay alert, keep doors and windows closed and patrol their properties for spot fires.

The alert for Derby was later downgraded to a bushfire advice, with DFES stating there was no longer a direct threat to lives or homes within the town.

Firefighters continued asset protection efforts around Mowanjum as the community began to recover after a day of dangerous and rapidly changing conditions.

The remaining flames were finally extinguished on Saturday, September 13.

Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation confirmed no structures were damaged in the fire.