RSCH.016.001.1136 - 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

RSCH.016.001.1181
Bushfires 41
Thursday 3 January 2002
The Sydney Morning Herald provided the following summary for Thursday:
South coast: “Sussex Inlet area still under threat. South-westerly winds could push the fire
towards Hyams Beach and Jervis Bay. A number of residents and campers fleeing. Some
of the 5,000 residents and tourists were allowed back home today, others are spending a
second night at the local RSL and bowls clubs. Estimated 12 to 20 homes destroyed.”
Hawkesbury: “Kurrajong Heights fire still burning and a number of residents had evacuated
the area themselves. Winds were picking up in the Blue Mountains but properties were not
in direct danger at this stage.”
Around Sydney: “New fires broken out behind Jackson Crescent, Pennant Hills. No
evacuations. Fire around Pennant Hills and West Pymble on Sydney's north shore within
containment lines.”
Blue mountains: “A 60 km firefront burning from Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains down
to Mittagong, south of Sydney impacted on Woodford late tonight. Residents of two streets
were evacuated but most chose to stay and fight the fire.” 110
As the leased helitanker ‘Elvis’ was soon due to be returned to the Victorian Government,
and upon Commissioner Koperberg’s request, the State Government agreed to lease two
more helitankers from the United States for a ten week period. It would take several days
for the new helitankers to arrive. 111
Friday 4 January 2002
Milder weather conditions gave firefighters a reprieve to backburn and reinforce
containment lines but they warned an end to the crisis was not in sight. Extensive
backburning took place all day, focusing on hotspots around the Blue Mountains,
particularly between Woodford and Wentworth Falls, the Hawkesbury region and
Shoalhaven, on the NSW south coast.
Noting that it was 13 days since the bushfires broke out, Emergency Services Minister
Debus said it was now the most widespread fire event to ever occur in Australia: "In [the
fires of] January 1994 ... there began to be some rain at least in some places on day seven".
He continued "On day 13 in this present event, we have not even the prospect of rain for a
number of days yet." With 24 people caught lighting fires so far during the emergency, calls
emerged for an arsonist register similar to that for paedophiles. Premier Carr, touring the
Hunter Valley area, indicated his support for an arsonist register. 112
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“Overview on NSW bushfires” Sydney Morning Herald, 4 January 2002.
“Super choppers to the rescue” Sydney Morning Herald, 4 January 2002.
“Milder weather gives reprieve, but crisis nowhere near end.” Sydney Morning Herald, 5
January 2002.