REMAINS OF A BLOWER VAC

2011
Overview

Melted, flat, freeform strip of blackened plastic with the remains of the electric motor at one end.

Historical information

Adam Whittleston had only just moved into the property at 11 Greendale Place Kelmscott and had purchased the chainsaw two days before the fire. The leaf blower was to be used to clear away leaves and was borrowed from his father who just passed away but while he was alive had carefully maintained it. The house survived even though the shed, pergola and gutters were destroyed in the fire.
On the morning of 6th of February 2011 a bushfire was accidentally started by an individual using an angle grinder outside, during a total fire ban. Sparks from the angle grinder set nearby dry grass on fire. High easterly winds caused this scrub fire to quickly turn into a bushfire. Over the course of the rest of the day the fire spread westerly out of Roleystone and, down the hill and into Kelmscott. 150 fire-fighters were on the ground during the peak of the bushfire. Residents in the path of the fire were ordered to evacuate immediately. Over 4,000 people were evacuated during the bushfire. Many families lost their homes. 69 homes were destroyed with another 71 badly damaged. Residents were evacuated to the Armadale Arena on Townley Street which was turned in to the emergency evacuation centre. Most residents spent the night there and it was a few days before they were allowed back into the area to see if their homes had survived.
The Armadale Arena remained a one stop resource centre for victims of the bushfire for 2 weeks after the event.
This bushfire is now regarded as one of the worst in WA history due to the loss of homes. No one was killed during the bushfire.
For further information see the Birtwistle Local Studies library

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-33-COA2011.69
Width
305 mm
Height or length
1065 mm
Depth
65 mm
Year
Statement of significance

On the 6th of February 2011, the Roleystone Kelmscott Bushfire destroyed over 70 homes in the east Kelmscott and south west Roleystone area. Residents were evacuated to the Armadale Arena, which became the centre for helping those effected by the fire. This sign was put on a notice board for people at the centre.
This was one of the worst bushfire for loss of homes in WA history. Many people lost everything in this event due to the speed of the fire.

Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Rare or representative
Well provenanced
City of Armadale - History House

City of Armadale - History House

Organisation Details
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