1980 Ash Wednesday bushfires
Series of bushfires in Australia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The first Ash Wednesday fires were a series of bushfires that began in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, on Ash Wednesday, 20 February 1980.[1] 51 homes and 25 other buildings were destroyed, including the Anglican Christ Church, Longwood,[2] and 75 farms were affected. 40 people were injured, with 150 left homeless. The fire burnt an area of 3,770 ha (14.6 sq mi),[3] and caused an estimated $34,000,000 damage.[4]
Quick Facts Ash Wednesday I, Date(s) ...
Ash Wednesday I | |
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Date(s) | 20 February 1980 (1980-02-20) |
Location | Adelaide Hills, South Australia |
Coordinates | 34.91°S 138.71°E / -34.91; 138.71 |
Statistics | |
Burned area | 3,770 ha (14.6 sq mi) |
Impacts | |
Non-fatal injuries |
|
Structures destroyed |
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Damage | $34,000,000 |
Ignition | |
Cause | Faulty power lines, arson, and negligence after years of extreme drought |
Map | |
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In 1983, after the Ash Wednesday fires in February that year, the 1980 fire became known in South Australia as the "first" Ash Wednesday, or Ash Wednesday I.[3]