Pilbara fires rage on near Solomon mine and Karijini Eco Retreat

A bushfire burning near Fortescue’s Solomon mine site in the Pilbara is still out of control and unpredictable, four days after it was first reported.

The fire, started by lightning, has burnt 90,000ha since December 11. It is currently burning south west of the Solomon airstrip and is moving in a south westerly direction.

A bushfire advice was issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services at 10.30am Saturday for people travelling along the Rio Tinto Access Road and Hamersley Road near the mine site in the Shire of Ashburton.

Emergency services are warning drivers in the area to turn headlights on, watch for emergency service personnel and pull over if visibility becomes too poor.

A separate bushfire advice has been issued for northern sections of Karijini National Park, including Weano Gorge and Karijini Eco Retreat.

The advice has been issued for a separate fire which is contained but not controlled. It has burned through about 12,500ha since December 11.

Road closures

Hamersley Road

Weano Road from Karijini Eco Retreat to Weano Recreation Area

Banjima West Road from Karijini Drive turn-off to the eco retreat

Banjima North Road from the west road junction to Joffre/Knox Gorge turn-off

More information

www.emergency.wa.gov.au

DFES: 13 3337