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In Australia, during winter and spring 2001, low rainfall across combined with a hot, dry December created ideal conditions for bushfires. On the day of Christmas Eve, firefighters from the Grose Vale Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigade attended a blaze in rugged terrain at the end of Cabbage Tree Rd, Grose Vale, believed to have been caused by power lines in the Grose Valley.

Quick Facts Date(s), Location ...
Black Christmas bushfires
Date(s)24 December 2001 – 7 January 2002
LocationNew South Wales, Australia
Statistics
Burned area753,314 hectares (1,861,480 acres)[1]
Land use
  • Urban/rural fringe areas
  • Farmland
  • Forest reserves
Impacts
DeathsNil
Non-fatal injuries4
Structures destroyed
  • 109 homes
  • 433 outbuildings[1]
DamageA$70 million
Ignition
Cause
  • Low humidity
  • Arson
Close

On Christmas Day, strong westerly winds fuelled more than 100 bushfires across the state, creating a plume of smoke that extended across Sydney.[2] This plume of smoke would not clear for some days as the bushfires continued to burn, creating some of the worst pollution that Sydney has ever experienced, with a regional pollution index reading of: 200 in North-West Sydney; 120 in Central-East and South-West Sydney.[3][4] The fires mainly burnt in Lane Cove National Park, the Royal National Park and Blue Mountains National Park. Approximately 753,314 hectares (1,861,480 acres) was burnt.[1] 121 homes were destroyed across the state and 36 damaged, mostly in the lower Blue Mountains and west of the Royal National Park around Helensburgh.[5] Arsonists were believed to be responsible for starting many of the fires, leading to harsher penalties for those who start bushfires.

The dry conditions that started the bushfires continued well into 2002, resulting in the worst drought in 100 years. The drought was declared a "one in 1000 year event".[6] The drought finally broke with the La Nina event of 2010–2011. Significantly higher than average rainfall began in July 2010, it was Australia's second wettest year on record.[7]

An Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter became something of a celebrity during this time. Elvis (N179AC) was loaned to NSW by Victoria and proved instantly successful.[8]

More information Start date, Injuries ...
Start date Injuries Houses destroyed Area Local government areas Impacted communities and description of damage Duration
haacre
24 December 2001 30 – 39 15,50038,000 Wollondilly

—Belimba Park, Nattai, Oakdale, Silverdale, Thirlmere & Warragamba

8 factory buildings, 2 shops and dozens of other non-residential structures destroyed.[9][10][11]
43 days
24 December 2001 34 – 52 97,000240,000 Shoalhaven

Bendalong, Berrara, Huskisson, Manyana, Sussex Inlet, Tomerong & Vincentia

5 industrial units, 21 businesses, 109 sheds, one scout hall, 53 vehicles, 11 tractors, 23 other items of farm equipment, 25 trailers, 21 boats and 580 beehives destroyed.[11][12][13][14][15][16]
29 days
23 December 2001 2 45,500112,000 Clarence Valley

—Brooms Head

12 non-residential structures destroyed. 8 houses damaged.[17]
22 days
24 December 2001 4 14 112,000280,000 Hawkesbury

Yarramundi & Blaxlands Ridge

Several non-residential structures destroyed.[9][11][18][19]
31 days
24 December 2001 12 42,000100,000 Blue Mountains

Warrimoo, Valley Heights & Yellow Rock

8 houses damaged.[9][19][20][21]
20 days
25 December 2001 27 – 35 64,000160,000 Sutherland & Wollongong

Heathcote, Waterfall, Helensburgh, Otford & Stanwell Tops

20 or more vehicles, 15 industrial premises, 14 commercial premises, 5 cottages, 2 large conference buildings and dozens of other non-residential structures destroyed. Scores of houses damaged.[9][10][22][23]
14 days
25 December 2001 4 8,20020,000 Penrith

Glenmore Park & Mulgoa

[9][11]
6 days
Close
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See also

References

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