Kings Canyon Resort in Central Australia has narrowly escaped being destroyed by a major bushfire on Tuesday afternoon (Jan 8).
King’s Canyon Resort
While the focus was firmly been on the hundreds of fires destroying hectares of land in New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria earlier this week, 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.
“At this stage there appears to be some smoke damage but limited structural damage.
The management team at Delaware North, owners of Kings Canyon Resort, will continue to work with the local authorities to determine the full extent of the damage.
“Delaware North is committed to re-opening the property in this iconic, Northern Territory location. However, the timing won’t be known until a full assessment has been conducted and we can ensure the safety of our guests and staff which is the first priority.
“There is currently no road access into the Resort, with the Luritja Road and the Mereenie Loop Road both still closed.”
Kings Canyon Resort and the Watarrka National Park are closed until further notice while the fire continues to burn towards a ranger station.
