On 8 January 2003 lightning strikes in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding area caused four
fires known as the McIntyres Hut fire, the Bendora fire, the Stockyard Spur fire and the Mount Gingera fire. Eventually these
fires combined to produce the firestorm that devastated the ACT on 18 January 2003.
On 18 January 2003, the ACT experienced an unprecedented fire disaster causing the tragic deaths of four people; 492
people were injured; almost 500 homes and some 93 community, commercial and farm buildings were lost; Other homes and businesses,
including rural properties and villages to the west of Canberra were damaged, and there was widespread destruction of forests
and the environment generally.
Few people within the ACT have not been affected by this disaster. During the emergency more than 5,000 people were evacuated
to emergency centres. Many others went to the homes of family and friends. Thousands of people participated in fire fighting
activities, and in assisting those in the ‘front line’ of the disaster, as neighbours, volunteers and contributors
of goods, services and financial support. In the two weeks after the fire, more than 1,000 volunteers came forward. Evacuation
centres were swamped with donations. There was, in short, a spontaneous coming together of the community that was matched
by generous assistance from governments, businesses, communities and individuals from across Australia and overseas.
