Bushfire recovery

During a scorching summer unusual for the regular Kangaroo Island weather pattern, lightning strikes ignited fires first on the north and north-eastern coasts of the island on 20 December 2019, then in Flinders Chase National Park ten days later.

Over several weeks, the Kangaroo Island fires burned 211,474 hectares, almost half of the island. It is unknown how many of the island's wild animals perished, along with the estimated 32,000 head of stock and domestic animals that died. The widespread fires also damaged or destroyed homes and businesses—including some tourism venues—grazing land, forests, crops, machinery, and infrastructure, and two people tragically lost their lives.

Fire plays a vital role in Australian landscapes, and the recovery process on Kangaroo Island is a testament to nature's resilience. The island is bouncing back with deafening birdsong, content kangaroos and koalas, and flourishing flora. The beauty of this recovery must be seen to be believed, inspiring hope for the future of Kangaroo Island's unique ecosystem.Read more