Blaze destroys 18,000ha

A bushfire has destroyed 18,000 hectares of land during a bushfire at the popular Karijini National Park.

The fire caused damage to the Dales campground and day use area, Fortescue Falls, and destroyed a board walk leading into the Park’s Fern Pool.

The fire was reported at around 9am on December 29 and an all clear was issued on January 3.

A warning was issued to people travelling along Great Northern Highway and Karijini Drive within the vicinity of the northern eastern part of Karijini National Park.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife announced Banjima Drive would remain closed at Karijini Drive and Kalamina Road for several weeks to ensure the area is made safe.

Recreation sites including Dales Campground and Dales day-use recreation site, Circular Pool and Fortescue Falls will also remain closed for several weeks.

A DPAW spokesman said they hoped to have Dales campground and the Fortescue Falls area repaired, safe and open by Easter depending on the weather.

The Fern Pool platform will be rebuilt and is expected to take a while longer.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the area.