Shire of Gnowangerup thanks community fire units’ swift response to suspicious house fire, saving neighbours

The bravery of Great Southern residents who rushed to the scene of a suspicious house fire in Gnowangerup last month and helped contain the blaze before it spread, has been recognised by the shire.

The Shire of Gnowangerup released a statement on Monday, applauding the farmers and local business operators who were the first to arrive at the house fire on Hughes Street in the centre of town.

Multiple triple-0 calls alerted first responders to the blaze on Hughes Street at 12pm on November 25.

A host of community fire units acted immediately and started spraying the flames before emergency services arrived.

Crews from Gnowangerup, Katanning, Borden and Kojonup fire brigades soon helped in the firefighting efforts, and the fire was extinguished by 2pm.

Despite the prompt response, the home was entirely destroyed by flames.

A neighbour told the Herald at the time that she believed it was the community’s response that saved the neighbouring homes.

She said when one unit left the line-up to retrieve more water, another unit swiftly took its place.

In the statement on behalf of the Shire of Gnowangerup, chief executive David Nicholson wrote a “sincere thanks” to everyone who responded.

“Your collective response, professionalism and commitment were clearly evident throughout the incident,” Mr Nicholson said.

“From the initial arrival and early decision-making through to the ongoing co-ordination, containment and follow-up activities, every role played was vital in managing what had the potential to become a far more serious event.

“The quick thinking and actions taken during the initial stages of the incident were particularly critical in preventing the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.”

Mr Nicholson wrote the incident highlighted the importance of “inter-agency co-operation, clear communication and the dedication of both volunteers and career personnel” who are always prepared to “protect lives and property”.

“The shire greatly values the time skills and commitment each individual brings to emergency response,” he said.

“Your efforts do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.”

The lone resident of the home at the time of the blaze, Andrew Arthur Woods, was charged by police for criminal damage by fire.

The 47-year-old self-evacuated and did not require medical treatment, but later was admitted to Gnowangerup District Hospital.

The accused is scheduled to appear again in Albany Magistrates Court on January 13.