2006–07 Australian bushfire season

Australian bushfire January 2016 September 2026 2006–07 Australian bushfire season File:2006-07 Australian Bushfire season MODIS overview.png NASA MODIS burned area detections from June 2006 to May 2007 Australia Winter 2006 – autumn 2007 (southern hemisphere) Various >1360000 ha on 100+ total 83 houses Numerous non-residential structures 5 total 1 Forestry Tasmania employee 4 other 1,400 true 2005–06 Australian bushfire season 2007–08 Australian bushfire season The 2006–07 bushfire season was one of the most extensive bushfire seasons in Australia's history. Victoria experienced the longest continuously burning bushfire complex in Australia's history, with fires in the Victorian Alps and Gippsland burning over 1 million hectares of land over the course of 69 days. See Bushfires in Australia for an explanation of regional seasons. The 2006–07 season included the Victorian Alpine Fire Complex which was the longest running collection of bushfires in Victoria's history. On 1 December 2006, more than 70 fires were caused by lightning strikes in the Victorian Alps, many of which eventually merged to become the Great Divide Complex, which burned for 69 days across about a million hectares. Despite the length of the season and amount of land burnt, the fires were contained to mostly unoccupied regions such as the Victorian Alps, national parks and remnant bushland. Evacuation plans were implemented in many small towns in these areas, a combination of these factors resulted in only one fatality as a result of the fires. Timeline thumb|right|300px|Major bushfires in Victoria in the 2000s, showing the 2006–07 fires in blue January 2006 Three deaths and multimillion-dollar livestock and property losses in ten days of bushfires in Victoria. Fires occurred in the Stawell (Deep Lead) area in early January, and in the Yea, Moondarra, Grampians, Kinglake and Anakie regions in mid-late January.Northern Daily Leader, "Some past bushfires in Australia, p. 3, 10 February 2009 September 2006 On 24 September 2006, bushfires began burning in various places in the Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven, Hawkesbury River and Hunter regions of New South Wales, Australia. Declarations under Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act, 1997 were issued by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service for the Newcastle, Hawkesbury/Baulkham, Redhead (Lake Macquarie), Shoalhaven and Wollondilly bushfires, enabling the "Commissioner is to take charge of bush fire fighting operations and bush fire prevention measures and to take such measures as the Commissioner considers necessary to control or suppress any bush fire in any part of the State...."S44 Rural Fires Act link Seven (7) houses were burned out, four at Picton, and also Thirlmere, and Oakdale. The wind was from the west and north-west and fed the fire conditions, hampering firefighting by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1747424.htm Homes lost in NSW bushfires ABC News Australia 24 September 2006 2006-12-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20060925044058/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1747424.htm 25 September 2006 dead http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20468177-2,00.html https://archive.today/20121203031446/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20468177-2,00.html dead 3 December 2012 Wild weather claims life, homes news.com.au 24 September 2006 2006-12-11 October 2006 On 12 October 2006, bushfires burned through parts of Hobart's eastern shore, encouraged by strong winds and unusually high temperatures. No lives or homes were lost.http://abc.net.au/news/items/200610/1763696.htm Arson suspected in Hobart bushfire Australian Broadcasting Corporation 12 October 2006 2006-12-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20110603235431/http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200610/1763696.htm 3 June 2011 deadhttp://abc.net.au/news/australia/tas/northtas/200610/s1763823.htm Firefighters battle blazes across south-eastern Australia Australian Broadcasting Corporation 13 October 2006 2006-12-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20110603235436/http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia/tas/northtas/200610/s1763823.htm 3 June 2011 dead November 2006 In late November Sydney was covered in smoke after raging fires in the Blue Mountains. One of the major fires was lit by a lightning strike near Burra Korain Head inside the Blue Mountains National Park on 13 November. Some people have suggested that the Blue Gum Forest in the Grose River valley was severely damaged by backburning, though this remains to be ascertained scientifically. Gregg Borschmann http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-ghosts-of-an-enchanted-forest-demand-answers/2006/12/10/1165685553891.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 The ghosts of an enchanted forest demand answers The Sydney Morning Herald 11 December 2006 2006-12-12 Gregg Borschmann http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-burning-question/2006/12/10/1165685553945.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 The burning question The Sydney Morning Herald 11 December 2006 2006-12-12 On 28 November 2006, lightning strikes started 15 fires in the Riverina with the major fires west of Narrandera at Morundah and Tubbo Station were about 10 km2 of private property was burnt and Northeast of Narrandera at Colinroobie Ranges over 12 km2 of private property and bush land was burnt. http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200611/1799847.htm?riverina Praise for firefighters tackling lightning-sparked fires Australian Broadcasting Corporation 29 November 2006 2006-12-12 August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes http://www.riverinamediagroup.com.au/Home/news.asp?publication=The%20Irrigator&articleType=Local&ArticleID=14836 Lightning bolts spark blazes across region The Irrigator 5 December 2006 2006-12-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20070928071057/http://www.riverinamediagroup.com.au/Home/news.asp?publication=The%20Irrigator&articleType=Local&ArticleID=14836 28 September 2007 dead Large bushfires burnt across the Pilbara for over a week forcing the closure of Karijini National Park. Over 150000 ha acre 0 were burned out close to the National Park, the Auski Roadhouse and around Mulga Downs Station.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-11-20/public-warned-of-pilbara-bushfires/1313780 Public warned of Pilbara bushfires 2006-11-29 4 May 2014 Australian Broadcasting Corporation December 2006 thumb|Satellite image of smoke from fires in the Victorian Alps and Gippsland, 8 December 2006 thumb|right|300px|The city of Melbourne swathed in smoke during the 2006–2007 bushfire season thumb|right|300px|The Bolte Bridge surrounded by a thick sky during the bushfires. This photograph was taken in late afternoon. On 1 December 2006, over 70 fires were caused by lightning strikes in the Victorian Alps, many of which eventually merged to become the Great Divide Fire Complex, which burned from December 2006 to February 2007 (69 days) across approximately 1 million hectares. Fifty-one houses were ultimately lost in the fires. One man died in a vehicle accident while assisting a property owner to prepare for fire impact. By 7 February, more than 1,400 firefighters had been injured (including bruises, cuts, blisters, burns, dehydration, broken limbs and spider bites). More than 400 St John Ambulance volunteers, including doctors, nurses and first aid officers provided first aid. On 16 December, eleven New Zealand firefighters were injured while fighting the fire in the Howqua Valley in north-east Victoria. On the week end of 9 and 10 December, 3,000 firefighters fought the blazes. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808348.htm Wind change eases Vic fire threat Australian Broadcasting Corporation 11 December 2006 2006-12-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20070111082034/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808348.htm 11 January 2007 dead Settlements at Gaffneys Creek, A1 Mine Settlement, Burns Bridge, Mount Beauty, Bright, Wandiligong and Tawonga were threatened with the fires. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808429.htm Vic fires burn out of control Australian Broadcasting Corporation 11 December 2006 2006-12-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20070110220434/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808429.htm 10 January 2007 dead http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/homes-razed-as-bush-inferno-rages/2006/12/10/1165685553899.html Homes razed as bush inferno rages The Sydney Morning Herald 11 December 2006 2006-12-11 On 11 December 4,000 firefighters fought 13 blazes. The fire has destroyed Craig's Hut, an alpine hut that featured in the film The Man from Snowy River. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1809273.htm Firefighters battle 13 blazes across Victoria Australian Broadcasting Corporation 12 December 2006 2006-12-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20070111082130/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1809273.htm 11 January 2007 dead In Gippsland on 14 December, eighteen homes were destroyed in the Heyfield–Walhalla area in blazes believed to have been deliberately lit. A 48-year-old man was killed falling off the back of a trailer while fighting the Gippsland fires.http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20930760-2,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110604121133/http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/victims-get-emergency-housing/story-e6frfkp9-1111112691487 dead 4 June 2011 Police hunt teens over bushfire Australian Associated Press 15 December 2006 2006-12-15 In South Australia, nearly 1,200 km2 was burnt at Bookmark, near Waikerie in South Australia's Riverland region. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808393.htm Aircraft to monitor Riverland fire Australian Broadcasting Corporation 11 December 2006 2006-12-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20070110220424/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808393.htm 10 January 2007 dead In Tasmania, fires burnt at St Marys on the east coast, Zeehan in the west and in the state's south at Bream Creek and Deep Bay. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808354.htm https://archive.today/20080106102632/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1808354.htm dead 6 January 2008 Rain fails to dampen Tas bushfires Australian Broadcasting Corporation 11 December 2006 2006-12-11 Fires destroyed at least 18 houses near Scamander where in excess of 175 km2 were burnt. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1809278.htm Conditions improve for Tasmanian fire crews Australian Broadcasting Corporation 12 December 2006 2006-12-12 August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes A further four homes were lost at Four Mile Creek on 14 December.http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1812174.htm Tas crews monitor Four Mile Creek blaze Australian Broadcasting Corporation 14 December 2006 2006-12-15 August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes In New South Wales, a fire near Tumut has burned over 130 km2 of pine plantation in the Bondo, Billapaloola and Buccleuch State Forests. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1809258.htm Tumut fire to burn for days: firefighters Australian Broadcasting Corporation 12 December 2006 2006-12-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20070113020858/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1809258.htm 13 January 2007 dead http://www.riverinamediagroup.com.au/Home/news.asp?publication=The%20Daily%20Advertiser&ArticleID=14960&articletype=Local Tumut fire may burn into 2007 The Daily Advertiser 12 December 2006 2006-12-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20070928071029/http://www.riverinamediagroup.com.au/Home/news.asp?publication=The%20Daily%20Advertiser&ArticleID=14960&articletype=Local 28 September 2007 dead http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200612/1809521.htm?riverina Winds help whip up southern blaze Australian Broadcasting Corporation 12 December 2006 2006-12-12 August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes On 3 December, up to 4,000 people were evacuated from Whiteman Park near Perth after a bushfire burnt through about 1 km2 of the park.http://abc.net.au/news/items/200612/1803018.htm?wa Firefighters evacuate up to 4,000 people near Perth Australian Broadcasting Corporation 4 December 2006 2006-12-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20110603235523/http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200612/1803018.htm?wa 3 June 2011 dead On 12 December, a man in Western Australia was charged with lighting a fire in the Perth Hills. A home in Kalamunda was completely gutted and several were damaged by flying embers.http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1810176.htm Man charged for starting Kalamunda fire Australian Broadcasting Corporation 12 December 2006 2006-12-13 August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes January 2007 thumb|Looking towards Swifts Creek, 14 December 2006 at 4:00 pm daylight saving time thumb|Looking towards Swifts Creek, 14 December 2006 at 4:00 pm daylight saving time In January 2007, several new bushfires were burning in the Gippsland region of Victoria. By 18 January, the fires had been burning across Victoria for 48 days and over 10,000 km2 had been burnt. Homes and other property and stock was lost.Fire crews prepare for horrific conditions http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1828789.htm ABC News Australia 17 January 2007 2007-01-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20070119181509/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1828789.htm 19 January 2007 dead There was a significant fire in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, near the towns of Kangarilla and Echunga, the Mount Bold Reservoir, and in parts of Kuitpo Forest.Property lost in Adelaide Hills blaze http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1824847.htm ABC News Australia 11 January 2007 2007-01-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20070121203255/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1824847.htm 21 January 2007 dead See : Mount Bold Fire. An arsonist lit at least thirteen fires in the eastern hills near Harrogate, but most were contained with minimal damage to property.Authorities suspect Adelaide Hills bushfire deliberately lit http://abc.net.au/news/items/200701/1821792.htm?sa ABC News Australia 5 January 2007 2007-01-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20110603235555/http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200701/1821792.htm?sa 3 June 2011 dead On the 16th a bushfire burning out of control near the town of Benalla in Victoria's North East caused power to be cut to much of the state when ash and smoke severed major transmission powerlines connecting Victoria to the national power grid. The 40 °C temperature caused a huge demand for power which, when paired with the severing of the line, forced power company's to impose rolling blackouts across the state, including power loss to parts of Melbourne which resulted in traffic problems across the city. Full power was restored at approximately 12:30 am the following day.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10419482 Power supplies back to normal in Victoria 17 January 2007 The New Zealand Herald 14 September 2011http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21073319-1702,00.html Latest Stories From News.Com.Au 20 January 2007 March 2025 medicmedic On 17 January, fires crossed the Murray River into New South Wales and threatened Thredbo. With the fire 12 km from the town, 700 tourists were evacuated.Thredbo fire threat eases http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/thredbo-fire-threat-eases/2007/01/17/1168709797527.html The Sydney Morning Herald 17 January 2007 2007-01-05 On 21 January, a large fire began near the F3 Freeway (Freeway which connects Central Coast to Sydney), this resulted in its closure due to the intensity of the flames and smoke levels. On 22 January, the fire broke containment lines and headed north thanks to wind levels and hot conditions, the fire also caused the closure of the Pacific Highway and train line. The suburb of Berowra also came under direct threat with residents urged at the time to prepare their properties. The railway station and a train that had stopped there came perilously close to being consumed by the bushfire. Later on 22 January, the fire front was slowly contained, allowing all three avenues to re-open by nightfall. February 2007 By the morning of 7 February, the fire complex in eastern Victoria was declared contained. Lasting 69 days and having merged to burn a total of 1,154,828 hectares,http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/history/majorfires.htm 2008-06-05 Major Fires Department of Sustainability and Environment 7 February 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080722092348/http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/history/majorfires.htm 22 July 2008 dead the bushfires were the longest in Victoria's history.Great Divide fires contained after 69 days http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia/vic/gippsland/200702/s1842374.htm ABC News Australia 7 February 2007 2008-06-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20100804035945/http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia/vic/gippsland/200702/s1842374.htm 4 August 2010 dead thumb|800px|center|Looking towards Dargo from Swifts Creek, 11 January 2007 Fires of note State Start date Deaths Injuries Houses lost Area (ha) Local govt. Impacted communities & destruction Duration Ref. NSW 24 September 2006 4 1200 ha on WollondillyThirlmere & Oakdale 2 days One day of wind Bush Fire Bulletin 2006 28 3 2–5 http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/4110/Bush-Fire-Bulletin-2006-Vol-28-No-3.pdf 27 April 2016 NSW Rural Fire Service 2 600 ha on HawkesburyCattai Shed, boats destroyed 2 days Hot winds fan wild fires http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/homes-lost-in-bushfire/2006/09/24/1159036400672.html 11 June 2015 The Sydney Morning Herald 24 September 2006 NSW 21 November 2006 1 10 ha on Eurobodallanear Nelligen A civilian perishes Kennedy Les David Braithwaite Edmund Tadros Man dies as early bushfire season grips NSW http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/man-dies-as-early-bushfire-season-grips-nsw/2006/11/21/1163871404910.html 11 June 2015 The Age Melbourne 22 November 2006 VIC 6 December 2006 11 21 1300000 ha on MansfieldUpper Edi, Tolmie, Rose River, Kevington, Bocking, Gaffney's Creek & A1 Mine A large ski lodge, a school camp, several cabins, historic home and 20 vehicles destroyed 62 days Smith Ross Key Issues Identified From Operational Reviews of Major Fires in Victoria 2006/07 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/198535/Report_Ross_Smith_Op_Review_2006-07_fire_seasonv2.pdf depi.vic.gov.au Department of Sustainability and Environment & Country Fire Authority 11 June 2015 July 2007 TAS 10 December 2006 1 1 26 17500 ha on Break O'Day & SorellScamander, St. Marys & St Helens A Forestry Tasmania employee perishes A restaurant, a berry farm, an art gallery, a jeweller's shop, an electrical business, 24 workshops, a caravan and around 90 vehicles (including 70 in a wrecking yard) destroyed 5 days Report on the Tasmanian East Coast Fires: Community Recovery http://www.bodc.tas.gov.au/sites/all/files/breakoday/documents/resources/east_coast_fires_recovery_final_report_signed.pdf bodc.tas.gov.au Australian Red Cross 11 June 2015 10 https://web.archive.org/web/20150316191421/http://www.bodc.tas.gov.au/sites/all/files/breakoday/documents/resources/east_coast_fires_recovery_final_report_signed.pdf 16 March 2015 deadAuthorities investigate forestry worker's death http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-01-14/authorities-investigate-forestry-workers-death/2171736 12 June 2015 ABC News Australia 14 January 2007 VIC 14 December 2006 1 12 7000 ha on WellingtonToongabbie, Seaton & Cowwarr A civilian perishes Dozens of non-residential structures, several vehicles, a nursery and community hall destroyed Morton Adam Orietta Guerrera Bridie Smith Bushfires claim first life http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/bushfires-claim-first-life/2006/12/14/1165685825212.html 11 June 2015 The Age Melbourne 15 December 2006 WA 16 December 2006 14 14000 ha on MurrayDwellingup & Coolup 20 vehicles, dozens of items of machinery and outbuildings destroyed 4 houses damaged 57 daysFire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Annual Report, 2006–07 http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/publications/annualreport20062007/fire.pdf dfes.wa.gov.au Department of Fire and Emergency Services 11 June 2015 31 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150331145557/http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/publications/annualreport20062007/fire.pdf deadFirefighters take control of WA blaze http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-02-05/firefighters-take-control-of-wa-blaze/2187014 27 April 2016 ABC News Australia 5 February 2007 VIC 16 January 2007 3 34000 ha on MansfieldArcherton, Tatong & Toombullup Significant livestock loss Switzer Renee Thredbo evacuated as fires cross border http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/eight-homes-burn-fears-for-more/2007/01/17/1168709790480.html 11 June 2015 The Age Melbourne 17 January 2007Victoria bushfires claim homes http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2007/01/17/victoria-bushfires-claim-homes 27 April 2016 SBS World News Australian Associated Press 17 January 2007 9 August 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160809024736/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2007/01/17/victoria-bushfires-claim-homes deadTatong fire contained http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-01-23/tatong-fire-contained/2178420 27 April 2016 ABC News Australia 23 January 2007 SA 17 January 2007 1 1 15 ha on OnkaparingaWillunga A civilian perishes Switzer Renee One dead in SA bushfire http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/one-dead-in-sa-bushfire/2007/01/18/1168709865651.html 11 June 2015 The Age Melbourne 18 January 2007Body found in fire wreckage http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-01-18/body-found-in-fire-wreckage/2175228 29 April 2016 ABC News Australia 18 January 2007 WA 3 February 2007 1 ToodyayToodyay A civilian perishes Several non-residential structures and vehicles destroyed Woman fleeing bushfire burnt to death http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/woman-fleeing-bushfire-burnt-to-death/2007/02/03/1169919582173.html 11 June 2015 Australian Associated Press The Sydney Morning Herald 3 February 2007 References New South Wales Rural Fire Service : Major Fire Updates External links New South Wales Rural Fire Service Bushfire Summer – ABC TV Nature ABC TV case study of the 2005–2006 bushfire season Eastern Victoria Great Divide Fires Map of the burnt area in Eastern Victoria, from Department of Sustainability and Environment Category:2006 wildfires Category:2007 wildfires 2006 2006 Australian bushfire season Australian bushfire season Category:2000s fires in Oceania