Kings Canyon Resort in Central Australia has narrowly escaped being destroyed by a major bushfire yesterday afternoon (Jan 8).
While the focus has firmly been on the hundreds of fires destroying hectares of land in New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria, the same day a one-kilometre wide fire in the Watarrka National Park forced the evacuation of 110 staff and guests at Kings Canyon Resort – located around 300 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs – to the nearby Mereenie Oil Fields.
According to a report by the ABC, flames were seen surrounding the resort by aerial spotters as the fire approached and as a result, a number of buildings are reportedly blackened but still standing.
Last night, Delaware North Companies released a statement saying all guests were safe and the damage was currently being assessed.
“Following advice from, and consultation with, the Northern Territory Emergency Services and the Northern Territory Police, all guests and staff were safely evacuated from Kings Canyon Resort in Central Australia early this afternoon due to bushfire threats in the local area,” the company said.
“All guests and staff departed the Resort in an escorted convoy on the Mereenie Loop Road to the Mereenie Oil Fields.
“Authorities have confirmed that all 110 staff and guests are safe and accounted for.
“We understand there is damage to the Kings Canyon Resort infrastructure but at this stage we do not know the full extent of this damage.”
Kings Canyon Resort and the Watarrka National Park are closed until further notice while the fire continues to burn towards a ranger station.