Amsterdam Island, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is facing an unprecedented fire that erupted near a French scientific station, threatening its ecosystem. Despite efforts by the scientific team, the blaze, fueled by strong winds, has consumed 55% of the island. This disaster poses significant risks to unique wildlife, including the endangered Amsterdam albatross. The island, known for its pristine air quality, is now under assessment for damage, marking a historic absence of human presence for the first time in 75 years.
Amsterdam Island’s Unprecedented Fire Incident
Typically shrouded in the legendary mists of the southern seas, Amsterdam Island, located in the Indian Ocean, has recently become engulfed in a thick cloud of smoke. An unusually large fire erupted on January 15, just 2.5 kilometers from the French scientific station, quickly threatening the structures in its path. The exact cause of the blaze remains a mystery.
Efforts to Combat the Blaze and Its Impact
The 31 members of the scientific team initially attempted to combat the flames, which surged to heights of two meters, but their efforts proved futile. “With winds exceeding 50 km/h and the ground dry, we quickly realized that continuing to fight the fire would put the lives of our team at risk,” stated Fabienne Bonnefoy, the district chief of Amsterdam, one of the three subantarctic districts of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF).
Due to Amsterdam Island’s remote location, with the nearest airport nearly 3000 kilometers away on Réunion Island, deploying Canadair aircraft for firefighting was not feasible. “Currently, approximately 55% of the island’s surface has been consumed by flames, and while high flames have subsided, smoke and fumaroles persist,” explained Florence Jeanblanc-Risler, prefect and superior administrator of TAAF. The stark difference in imagery from January 15 to now highlights the devastation, as the previously lush island now lies largely scorched, encroaching upon the buildings. Fortunately, the higher regions, characterized by their unique peat bogs and lichens, have managed to evade the fire’s wrath.
Amsterdam Island, a volcanic landmass, is part of a nature reserve recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s ecosystem includes only a few shrubs and tall grasses, which support a unique and endangered wildlife population, notably the yellow-nosed albatross. With around 20,000 breeding pairs, this location hosts the largest colony of these birds globally, nesting in areas that have remained untouched by the fire.
Moreover, scientists are gravely concerned about the Amsterdam albatross, an endemic species with merely 200 pairs remaining on the island, now facing increased threats.
In this isolated section of the Indian Ocean, Amsterdam Island serves as a crucial refuge. The grasses, currently engulfed in flames, typically provide habitat for fur seals and their neighbors, the charming rockhopper penguins, known for their quirky appearances. These penguins have been monitored by researchers for four decades and have now taken refuge among the rocky terrain. “Seeing the seals continue to frolic in the water early this morning gave me a sense of relief,” shared Bonnefoy.
Additionally, Amsterdam Island holds significant scientific value; for the past 35 years, air samples have been continuously collected at the research station, which boasts some of the purest air in the world, situated 5000 km from the nearest continent. Nonetheless, traces of pollution have been detected. “This site is regarded as a vital environmental sentinel, providing crucial insights into atmospheric pollutants and their changes over time,” noted Olivier Magand, a chemical sciences and materials engineer at CNRS.
In the coming days, a mission is planned to assess the situation on the island and prepare for the reopening of the scientific base. This marks the first time in 75 years that Amsterdam Island has been devoid of human presence.