What areas of Canberra were affected in the 2003 fire?
The Chief Minister declared a state of emergency at 2.45 pm and the firestorm hit the outer streets of Duffy at approximately 3 pm, and soon reached the suburbs of Rivett, Chapman, Kambah, Higgins, Hawker and Cook. Four people were killed by the fires, more than 435 people were injured and there were 5000 evacuations.
Where did the 2003 Canberra bushfires burn?
On 8 January 2003 a dry lightning storm ignited three fires in the ACT’s Namadgi National Park (Bendora, Stockyard Spur and Mount Gingera) and one in the adjoining Brindabella National Park in New South Wales (McIntyres Hut).
What was the timeline of the 2003 Canberra bushfires?
After burning for a week around the edges of the ACT, the fires entered the suburbs of Canberra on 18 January 2003….
| 2003 Canberra bushfires | |
|---|---|
| Date(s) | 8–21 January 2003 |
| Cause | Lightning strikes in Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks |
| Land use | Urban/rural fringe areas, farmland and forest reserves |
| Buildings destroyed | 488 |
When did the 2003 Canberra bushfires end?
22 January 2003
2003 Canberra bushfires/End dates
How many animals died in the 2003 Canberra fires?
Aust Vet J Vol 81, Nos 1 & 2, January, February 2003 In NSW alone, the fires claimed 5,300 sheep and 40 cattle, plus uncounted numbers of wild animals. One of the most heartbreaking losses of all occurred when the Weston Woden Animal Hospital (also known as the ACT Animal Hospital and Clinic) was burned down.
How long did the 2003 Canberra bushfires last?
On January 18, 2003, four bushfires that had been burning in Brindabella mountains for more than a week combined and roared into Canberra’s south-western suburbs, destroying 500 homes and claiming four lives.
How many animals died in Canberra bushfire 2003?
48 animals
The fire arrived in less than 15 minutes and burnt out the hospital building killing all 48 animals – but left the stables intact.
How are bushfires linked to climate change?
Global warming boosted the risk of the hot, dry weather that’s likely to cause bushfires by at least 30%, they say. It says that if global temperatures rise by 2C, as seems likely, such conditions would occur at least four times more often. The analysis has been carried out by the World Weather Attribution consortium.
Where did the 2003 bushfires start?
Namadgi National Park
The fires began on January 8, 2003, when a series of dry lightning storms swept over the vast expanse of Namadgi National Park, which makes up nearly two-thirds of south-west ACT. When authorities detected the fires, they dispatched small crews into some of the most remote sections of the bush.
What damage was done in the 2003 Canberra bushfires?
In 2003, the Canberra community was devastated by bushfires. Four people died, a total of 470 homes were destroyed, and 2000 businesses, homes and vehicles were damaged. The insurable loss and subsequent repair bill was more than $450 million.
How can we prevent bushfires?
If you have a client in a bushfire prone area, here are 10 tips they can use to reduce their bushfire risk:
- Prepare a bushfire survival plan.
- Understand bushfire danger ratings.
- Identify neighbourhood safer places.
- Cleanup outside.
- Help firefighters with water supply.
- Ensure building code requirements.
- Be ember safe.