Trust News|Western Australia edition 01 | february-march 2012
Hot Topic!
Gina Pickering
The fire came within metres of the State Heritage Registered building which was constructed by the Bussell family in the 1850s. Lance Jackson who works in the fire fighting arm of the Department of Environment and Conservation described the conditions on the ground as appalling. “We were sent from Margaret River to Ellensbrook and when I arrived there were three DEC trucks fighting the fire in the carpark - I was the fourth truck in,” Mr Jackson said. “We got to Ellensbrook early enough to set up the hose and defend it. We used the water from the brook onsite,” he said. Mr Jackson said the fires came in waves and burnt directly behind the house. A Margaret River resident
since the 1980s, Lance Jackson has a real connection to the heritage values he has helped to save - one of his children is named Ellen. National Trust Director of Conservation and Stewardship Sarah Murphy said the heritage building and the adjacent wardens’ house were untouched by the flames, but a shed and its contents including a ride on lawn mower behind the wardens’ house was destroyed. “The Trust is incredibly indebted to the DEC fire fighters and the Wallcliffe Volunteer Firefighters Brigade for their commitment to
saving Ellensbrook on behalf of the people of Western Australia,” Ms Murphy said. National Trust CEO Tom Perrigo visited Ellensbrook shortly after the fire damage. He said the State was fortunate to still have the Ellensbrook intact. “The bush and path to the building are completely decimated. The volunteer fire-fighters have done a fantastic job in saving this historic place,” Mr Perrigo said.
Above DEC Firefighters Lance Jackson & Anthony O’Neil
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