TIKTOKERS filming flames at Wireless Hill last weekend prevented helicopters from dropping water, potentially putting lives and properties at risk, says a firefighter.

Emergency services were called to a “suspicious” fire at the Ardross park at 3.30pm last Saturday, which burnt about 10 hectares of bushland.

Surrounding residents and park visitors were evacuated, but eyewitnesses say a number of park-goers refused to evacuate, and the Chook even found a several TikTok videos of attendees filming on a path with fire burning on either side.

• About 10 hectares of Wireless Hill Park were burnt in Saturday’s “suspicious” fire. Photo by Katherine Kraayvanger

“Aerial support waited to commence their drops for a short time to allow all members of the public to evacuate, but this did not impact aerial firefighting effectiveness,” a DFES spokesperson said.

Frustration

But a firey at the scene told the Chook of their frustration with the TikTokers, saying they ignored clear directions to leave the park, and used electric bikes to bypass road closures.

The DFES spokesperson said it was a “timely reminder for people to follow the directions of emergency services for their own safety, and to not fly drones during a bushfire as it poses a safety risk as it forces aircraft to be grounded, hindering firefighting efforts”. 

According to DFES, “about 60” volunteer and career firefights were deployed to the fire “at its peak”. 

• The Chook found this video on TikTok, showing how close people were to the flames.

“Two Helitaks, each with a tank capacity of 2650 litres and reload time of 40 seconds, were deployed for almost three hours,” the spokesperson said. 

“Ground crews successfully contained the flanks and fought spotting in front of the fire, while Helitaks attacked the head of the fire. 

“The fire was brought under control on Saturday night, with crews continuing to patrol the area and extinguish reignitions and hot sports over the coming days.” 

The Arson Squad are treating the fire as “suspicious” and have asked for “any information” about the fire to be sent to Crime Stoppers, including dash-cam, CCTV, and mobile phone vision, with rewards up to $25,000 on offer.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER