MR Barval winemaker Rob Gherardi stays to defend against Margaret River bushfire

Margaret River Winemaker Rob Gherardi and his wife Kellie said it looked like a nuclear bomb had gone off as they worked to defend their property from an out-of-control fire in WA’s South West. The couple chose to stay to defend their winery, which is located on the edge of the massive blaze near Contos and Redgate, south of Margaret River. Speaking to The West Australian from the property, Mr Gherardi said the family’s leased MR Barval winery was narrowly saved from disaster overnight. “We are pretty stressed, and even now I’m outside the place and it looks like a nuclear bomb’s gone off down Boranup way,” he said. “We felt pretty solid here and we implemented the fire plan and everyone and the fireys have played their role.” Mr Gherardi, who credited a change in weather conditions with saving his winery, said the National Park has not seen fuel loads controlled since 2005. “We’re on tenterhooks,” the winemaker said. “It was literally within metres of our front. “I’m no firey, I’m a winemaker. We have ash dropping on the winery. “It must be picking up some intensity down south of us.” Mr Gherardi also congratulated the many volunteers and firesy working to fight the fire for their calm demeanour in the face of the raging inferno. He said while the heat had cooled at midday, shifting winds were of concern. Strike Force Vulcan has now been deployed to help fight the blaze, as another one also continues to rage out of control in Yallingup. Strike Force Vulcan is a dedicated team led by senior detectives from the WA Police arson squad who work in close collaboration with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to ensure a holistic proactive and focused Statewide approach to investigating bushfire arson.