2013–14 Australian bushfire season

The season was predicted to have above average fire potential for most states including portions of the north west of Western Australia, the north west of the Northern Territory and large areas of central Queensland following below average rainfall and above average temperatures in these areas in the months leading up to the fire season.{{cite web|url=http://www.bushfirecrc.com/resources/firenote/northern-australia-seasonal-bushfire-outlook-2013|title=Northern Australian seasonal bushfire outlook 2013|year=2013|access-date=7 September 2013|publisher=Bushfire CRC}} The year 2013 was the hottest on record in Australia, with the average temperature from September 2012 to August 2013 being calculated to be {{convert|22.9|C|F|0}} which is 1.1 °C (1.6 °F) higher than the 1961 to 1990 average.{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/09/03/18/16/australia-has-warmest-year-on-record-bom|title=Australia has warmest year on record: BoM|work=9 News|access-date=3 September 2013|date=3 September 2013|publisher=Ninemsn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017120429/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/09/03/18/16/australia-has-warmest-year-on-record-bom|archive-date=17 October 2013|url-status=dead}}

• † – A series of separate fires in close proximity.

;September

During August and September a total 2,322 active fires were recorded across the state.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|p=7}}

On 9–10 September, 59 fires ignited around the western suburbs of Sydney during one of the earliest starts to a fire season in several years.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/bushfire-threatens-sydneys-far-west/story-e6frg6nf-1226716102131|title=Evacuations as bushfires in Sydney's west engulf homes|date=10 September 2013|access-date=10 September 2013|work=The Australian}} A {{convert|150|ha|abbr=on}} fire in Marsden Park destroyed one house and several sheds.{{harvnb|Murphy|2013|p=5}} Three houses were damaged and a Western Sydney University campus was evacuated as a result of other fires burning near Castlereagh, Londonderry and Windsor Downs.{{harvnb|Murphy|2013|p=10}} Approximately 800 firefighters and 200 appliances attended the blazes; two firefighters were injured while combating the Marsden Park blaze and another five were treated for smoke inhalation.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/homes-lost-firefighters-hurt-in-menacing-start-to-bushfire-season/story-e6frg6nf-1226716569941|title=NSW braces for tough bushfire season after yesterday's early outbreaks|date=11 September 2013|access-date=11 September 2013|work=The Australian}}

File:Fires and smoke plumes across New South Wales.jpg region of New South Wales, 19 October 2013]]

On 28 September, a fire ignited on Barrenjoey headland, destroying 60 percent of the scrub and forest on the headland and damaging the roof of the cottage attached to historic Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse and a second building in the lighthouse complex. Approximately 80 firefighters and three aircraft were required to bring the blaze under control by the following day.{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/09/28/08/32/nsw-facing-severe-fire-weather|title=Lighthouse saved from Sydney bushfire|date=28 September 2013|access-date=29 September 2013|publisher=Ninemsn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930151937/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/09/28/08/32/nsw-facing-severe-fire-weather|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Grubb|first1=Ben|last2=Khaicy|first2=Gemma|title=Barrenjoey lighthouse fire contained|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/barrenjoey-lighthouse-fire-contained-20130929-2umil.html|access-date=12 October 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=30 September 2013}} Communities around Taree were also threatened by fire on 28 September; several sheds and outbuildings were destroyed by a blaze that burned {{convert|1674|ha|abbr=on}}.

Another fire ignited in coal tailings from local mining operations near Ruttleys Rd., Doyalson, during September; the hot-spots were observed by the RFS several weeks before, but could not be extinguished before hot conditions on 17 October.{{cite news|last1=Vince|first1=Mary-Louise|title=Underground fire sparks Lake Macquarie blaze|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-23/coal-fire/5041086|access-date=13 October 2016|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=23 October 2013}} The fire would eventually burn over {{convert|2600|ha|abbr=on}} and impact property in Cams Wharf, Catherine Hill Bay, Lake Munmorah and Nords Wharf, destroying 4 houses and damaging a further 7.{{cite news|title=Hunter firefighters take advantage of cool night, but threat not over|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-19/hunter-firefighters-take-advantage-of-cool-night2c-but-threat-/5033104|access-date=13 October 2016|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=19 October 2013}} 63-year-old retiree Walter Linder died of a suspected heart-attack while defending his home during the fire.{{cite news|title=Lake Munmorah bushfire victim Walter Linder died defending home|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-18/bushfire-victim-walter-linder-died-defending-home/5032670|access-date=13 October 2016|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=19 October 2013}}

;October

File:Campvale homes 20131020.jpg, near Port Stephens, following the Hank St. bushfire]]

During October 2013, 1,162 fires were recorded in New South Wales, 19 of these being declared major incidents.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|p=45}}

On 13 October, a small grass fire burned through the car park of the Aquatic Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, near the Rural Fire Service Headquarters, destroying 47 cars and a motorbike and damaging a further 33.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|p=12}}{{cite news|last1=Carr|first1=Matt|last2=Whyte|first2=Sarah|last3=Levy|first3=Megan|title=43 cars destroyed in Homebush fire|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/43-cars-destroyed-in-homebush-fire-20131013-2vg3q.html|access-date=12 October 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=13 October 2013}} The evacuation plan of the Aquatic Centre

was employed and 500 to 1,500 people were safely moved away from danger by staff of the complex where the 2013 Buffalo Sports NSW All Schools Championships were taking place. On the same day, two houses were destroyed and another damaged by a {{convert|180|ha|abbr=on}} fire that ignited in the Webbs Creek area, west of Gosford.{{cite news|last1=Keene|first1=Neil|last2=McClellan|first2=Ben|title=Cooler conditions aid firefighters but 63 fires continue to burn across the state|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/cooler-conditions-aid-firefighters-but-63-fires-continue-to-burn-across-the-state/story-fni0cx4q-1226739398554|access-date=13 October 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=Sydney|date=14 October 2013}}{{cite news|last1=Isrin|first1=Kietley|title=Webbs Creek fire still burning|url=http://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/1844386/webbs-creek-fire-still-burning/|access-date=13 October 2016|work=Hawksberry Gazette|date=16 October 2013}}

Three fires ignited around the Port Stephens area on 13 October, destroying a total of 4 houses, 9 industrial/commercial/primary production buildings, 24 outbuildings and eight vehicles over a 10-day period; a further 9 houses and 10 industrial/commercial/primary production buildings were significantly damaged, also.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|pp=13–15}}{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/rain-eases-nsw-bushfire-threat/story-e6frfku9-1226739345463|title=Sparking power lines caused NSW bushfire|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=14 October 2013|publisher=News.com.au|access-date=21 October 2013|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016064156/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/rain-eases-nsw-bushfire-threat/story-e6frfku9-1226739345463|url-status=dead}} The first fire, near Fingal Bay, burned {{convert|184|ha|abbr=on}}. The second fire, ignited by powerlines arcing in high winds near Brownes Rd. and Lemon Tree Passage Rd. in Salt Ash, burned {{convert|355|ha|abbr=on}} and destroyed four houses, a number of sheds, outbuildings, vehicles and boats.{{harvnb|Murphy|2013|p=6}} The third fire, which ignited near Hank St. in Heatherbrae, burned {{convert|5642|ha|abbr=on}} and impacted on property in Raymond Terrace, Tomago and Williamtown on 17 October when driven by winds of {{convert|45|kph|mph|abbr=on}}, gusting up to {{convert|70|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|last1=Davis|first1=Belinda-Jane|title=Rolling coverage: Heatherbrae fire threat remains|url=http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1847192/rolling-coverage-heatherbrae-fire-threat-remains/?cs=170|access-date=13 October 2016|work=Maitland Mercury|publisher=Fairfax Regional Media|date=17 October 2013}} More than 500 residents registered for assistance at the King Park, Raymond Terrace bushfire evacuation centre during the Hank St. fire.{{cite news|title=Port Stephens – bush fire response update|url=http://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/your-council/news/port-stephens-bush-fire-response-update|access-date=13 October 2016|work=portstephens.nsw.gov.au|publisher=Port Stephens Council|date=18 October 2013|archive-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013221122/http://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/your-council/news/port-stephens-bush-fire-response-update|url-status=dead}}

File:NSW Bushfires Aqua view October 17, 2013.jpg Aqua Satellite on 17 October 2013]]

On 16 October, a fire—later referred to as the State Mine fire—ignited on the grounds of the Marangaroo Army base during an explosives exercise. Firefighters were unable to combat the fire due to the danger of unexploded ordnance in the area and the presence of a no fly zone above the base. The blaze rapidly spread into rugged, largely inaccessible, country containing heavy fuel loads.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|pp=18–19}} Over a period of four weeks, the fire burned through {{convert|54862|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub and forest, the majority in Wollemi and Blue Mountains National Parks. Significant damage was caused to the infrastructure of the historic Zig Zag Railway, estimated to have cost A$3–4 million; eleven engines and carriages and numerous structures for accommodation and administration were destroyed.{{cite news|title=The iconic Zig Zag railway succumbs to bushfires|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2013/10/30/3880208.htm?§ion=news|access-date=13 October 2016|publisher=702 ABC Sydney|date=30 October 2013}} A total of 5 houses were destroyed and one damaged across the fire ground—including 2 destroyed in Mount Wilson, some {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the point of ignition—7 businesses and numerous sheds and vehicles were also destroyed in Bell, Clarence, Lithgow, Mount Irvine and other communities affected by the fires.

File:Fire in Lithgow.jpg October 2013]]

The most destructive single bushfire in terms of property loss in the history of New South Wales ignited in the vicinity of Linksview Rd., Springwood, at about midday on 17 October.{{cite news|title=Bushfires in NSW 'worst in more than a decade'|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/bushfires-in-nsw-worst-in-more-than-a-decade-20131017-2voyu.html|access-date=17 October 2013|work=The Sydney Morning Herald}} A total of {{convert|3631|ha|abbr=on}} of forest and private property was burned during the 27-day duration of the fire, which destroyed 195 houses and damaged a further 146 buildings in the communities of Faulconbridge, Mount Riverview, Springwood, Winmalee and Yellow Rock.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|pp=32–37}} A significant amount of destruction occurred in the initial hours of the fire around Buena Vista Rd., Emma Pde., Heather Glen Rd., Moray St. and Purvines Rd. A number of houses were also destroyed in Paulwood Ave., close to St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School, which was evacuated to Winmalee Shopping Centre and destruction also occurred on Singles Ridge Rd., where the children of Rainbow Pre-School were evacuated and the playground was destroyed.

File:Milky Way panorama and Venus - New South Wales - Australia - 26 Oct. 2013.jpg and Venus viewed above a bushfire in New South Wales on 26 October]]

Also on 17 October, two other significant fires ignited; one near Mt. York Rd. in Mount Victoria and another near Hall Rd. in Balmoral.

Over 22-day period the 'Mt. York Rd.' fire burned {{convert|9383|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub and forest, the majority within the boundaries of the Blue Mountains National Park.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|pp=24–26}} All property losses occurred on the first afternoon of the blaze; 10 houses were destroyed and a further 3 were damaged in St. George's Parade, Mount Victoria, and a number of smaller structures and vehicles were destroyed in other streets around the town. From 18 to 24 October, there was concern that the fire could enter the Grose Valley and impact on Katoomba and the lower Blue Mountains, however a {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} containment line, constructed by specialized and experienced RFS Remote Areas Firefighting Teams in a narrow ravine, prevented the fire from entering.

Over a 26-day period the 'Hall Rd.' fire burned {{convert|15657|ha|abbr=on}} of forest within the Upper Nepean State Conservation Area and impacted the communities of Balmoral, Cordeaux-Dam and Yanderra; 2 houses were destroyed and another 2 were damaged. The fire had a significant effect on infrastructure, closing the Hume Motorway—creating a traffic jam reputed to have been {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} in length—and disrupting electrical supply to the water filtration plant for the Upper Nepean Catchment, which services four dams of Sydney's Water Catchment. Also threatened were Cordeaux colliery, a gas pipeline and communications tower.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|pp=27–29}}

On 24 October, a pilot contracted by the RFS died in a fixed-wing aircraft accident while fighting a fire in rugged terrain near Wirritin, approximately {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Ulladulla.{{harvnb|Murphy|2014|pp=82–83}}

;January

On 17 January, at least 50 fires were ignited in New South Wales by lightning strikes. The most destructive of these blazes burned {{convert|8000|ha|abbr=on}} in and around Murraguldrie State Forest and impacted upon the communities of Carabost, Humula, Kyeamba and Little Billabong over a period of days; 5 houses and a number of non-residential structures were destroyed.{{cite news|title=Riverina bushfires claim five houses|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/01/20/3928449.htm|access-date=13 October 2016|publisher=ABC Riverina|date=20 January 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Whiting|first1=Natalie|title=Crews continue to battle Minimbah fire in southern NSW, efforts continue through the night|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-20/firefighters-battle-multiple-fire-fronts-in-nsw/5209566?site=riverina|access-date=15 October 2016|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=20 January 2014}} Significant damage was also caused to local forestry, costing about A$3 million to replace. In addition, a fire near Bathurst burned through {{convert|300|ha|abbr=on}} of pine forest and fires near Minjary claimed over {{convert|2675|ha|abbr=on}} of scrubland.{{cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/20860057/two-major-bushfires-sparked-in-nsw/|title=NSW properties under threat from fire|date=19 January 2014|access-date=19 January 2014|work=The West Australian|publisher=Yahoo7|archive-date=3 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203112146/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/20860057/two-major-bushfires-sparked-in-nsw/|url-status=dead}}

File:North Stradbroke Island bushfires 03.01.2014 01.jpg on 3 January]]

;December & January

On 29 December, lightning ignited a fire on Stradbroke Island that consumed over {{convert|16200|ha|abbr=on}} of bushland during a 17-day period. At least 850 campers were evacuated from Main Beach on 1 January and residents between Gatumba St. and Beehive Rd. were evacuated on 4 January after a fire near Myora broke containment lines. Significant damage was caused to power infrastructure and the majority of settlements on the island lost power, however no houses were destroyed in the blaze.{{cite web|title=Minjerribah Bushfire 2014|url=http://www.straddiecamping.com.au/bushfire_2014|website=straddiecamping.com.au|publisher=Straddie Camping|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013221015/http://www.straddiecamping.com.au/bushfire_2014|archive-date=13 October 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-05/stradbroke-island-residents-face-anxious-day/5185140|title=Stradbroke Island bushfire: residents remain on fire alert as warning downgraded|date=6 January 2014|access-date=8 January 2014|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}

;December

On 21 December, temperatures of up to {{convert|43|C|F|abbr=on}} and strong winds caused a bushfire between Culburra and Tintinara to burn out of control. Over {{convert|35000|ha|abbr=on}} of grassland was burned and a hay shed was destroyed.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-21/lives-and-homes-at-risk-of-bushfire-at-culburra-and-coonalpyn/5170702|title=SA firefighters contain blaze near Tintinara; wild winds cause damage elsewhere|date=21 December 2013|access-date=23 December 2013|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240105175943/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-21/lives-and-homes-at-risk-of-bushfire-at-culburra-and-coonalpyn/5170702|archive-date=5 January 2024}}

;January

On 14 January, lightning ignited a number of serious fires across the state. The most destructive fire in terms of property loss ignited in inaccessible and difficult terrain {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-east of Port Pirie. During a 31-day period, the fire burned {{convert|35000|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and pasture and impacted the communities of Bangor, Laura, Stone Hut and Wirrabara; 5 houses, a timber mill, a number of sheds and 75% of the pine plantation in Wirrabara Forest were destroyed and at least 700 head of livestock died. 24 minor injuries were recorded by Country Fire Service personnel, most involving smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. A second destructive fire also ignited near Rockleigh, in the Murray Bridge municipality, and burned through open country into scrubland. During a 4-day period, the fire burned {{convert|4500|ha|abbr=on}} of land; 1 house and significant quantities of feed, water and fencing were destroyed. Other fires ignited the same day near Ceduna and burned at least {{convert|46000|ha|abbr=on}} of land within Pureba, Yellabinna, Yumbarra and Watraba Conservation Parks over a 4-day period.

Just after midday on 17 January, a fire ignited from a rekindle of a lightning strike in the Eden Valley. The fire spread under the influence of strong north-westerly winds and then an intense southerly wind change, with gusts over {{convert|120|kph|mph|abbr=on}}, pushed the fire northwards.{{citation|last1=Bearman|first1=Chris|last2=Thompson|first2=Kirrilly|last3=Wright|first3=Lindsey|last4=Rainbird|first4=Sophia|last5=Trigg|first5=Josh|last6=McLennan|first6=Jim|title=Capturing Comminuty Experiences:South Australian bushfires, January 2014|date=2015|url=http://www.bnhcrc.com.au/file/5130/download?token=wkb1ULr1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215162338/https://www.bnhcrc.com.au/file/5130/download%3Ftoken%3Dwkb1ULr1|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 December 2024|access-date=13 October 2016|publisher=Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC|location=Australia}} During a 16-day period, the fire burned {{convert|25000|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and pasture and impacted the communities of Angaston, Cambrai, Keyneton, Sedan, Springton and Truro; 4 houses and significant quantities of feed, water and fencing were destroyed.

Between December and April, at least 4,600 fires burned more than {{convert|463000|ha|abbr=on}} hectares of public and private land; livestock losses exceeded 21,000 head, almost {{convert|3000|km|mi|abbr=on}} of fencing was destroyed, more than 8,000 tonnes of hay and grain storage and in excess of {{convert|22000|ha|abbr=on}} of pasture, crop and plantation were affected by fire. Between 7 November and 11 March, Total Fire Bans were declared in all or parts of the state on 17 days.{{harvnb|Emergency Management Victoria|2014|pp=33}}

;January

The most destructive fire in terms of property loss during the Victorian season ignited on 14 January near Pohlners Rd., Wartook, and burned into the Grampians National Park. During the major run of the fire between 15 and 20 January, a {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide pyrocumulus convection column of smoke and ash was created by the fire, generating its own weather pattern including lightning.{{cite news|last1=Cook|first1=Henrietta|title=Grampians fire conditions the worst since Black Saturday|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/grampians-fire-conditions-the-worst-since-black-saturday-20140117-30zt1.html|access-date=14 October 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 January 2014}} Over an 81-day period, the fire burned {{convert|55100|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and pasture and impacted the communities of Brimpaen, Halls Gap, Heatherlie, Heathvale, Laharum, Ledcourt, Pomonal, Roses Gap & Wartook; 32 houses, 90 sheds, {{convert|300|km|mi|abbr=on}} of fencing and {{convert|400|ha|abbr=on}} of plantations were destroyed by the fire and at least 4,000 head of livestock died during the blaze and after. On 17 January, the body of a civilian woman was found in a property at Roses Gap—her death was confirmed to have been fire related. Two additional civilians were admitted to hospital with injuries related to the fire.{{cite news|last1=Ferguson|first1=John|title=Grampians inferno menaces tourist town, claims a life|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/bushfires/grampians-inferno-menaces-tourist-town-claims-a-life/story-fngw0i02-1226803763831|access-date=14 October 2016|work=The Australian|date=17 January 2014}}

The largest fire during the Victorian season ignited on 16 January as a number of separate fires—the 'Goongerah complex' and 'Club Terrace' fires being the most serious—in mountainous terrain of the Snowy River and Errinundra National Parks in the East Gippsland region. A significant commitment of aircraft, including 9 helicopters and 5 fixed-wing aircraft, supported by an additional 6 RFS aircraft provided during February, were deployed to the fires in the remote region.{{cite book|editor1-last=Lapsley|editor1-first=Craig|location=Melbourne, Victoria|title=Community Report: Goongerah-Deddick Trail Fire, January-March 2014|date=2014|url=http://fire-com-live-wp.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-CD-14-263151-2014-Goongerah-Deddick-Trail-Fire-Community-Report-FINAL.pdf|access-date=14 October 2016|publisher=Emergency Management Victoria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018212739/http://fire-com-live-wp.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-CD-14-263151-2014-Goongerah-Deddick-Trail-Fire-Community-Report-FINAL.pdf|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=dead}} During a 70-day period, the smaller fires merged and burned {{convert|165806|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and pasture and impacted the communities of Bonang, Goongerah and Tubbut; 9 houses, a number of sheds and {{convert|1250|ha|abbr=on}} of crops and pasture were destroyed, and 100 head of livestock died.

A second complex of fires also ignited north of Glenaladale on 16 January. By 18 January these fires were {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-west of the Glenaladale community, however all were contained the following day. The fire broke containment lines on 9 February, a day with recorded temperatures of up to {{convert|41.7|C|F|abbr=on}} and an average daily wind speed of {{convert|44|kph|mph|abbr=on}} in the area. During a 67-day period, the blaze burned {{convert|6727|ha|abbr=on}} of forest within the Mitchell River National Park and on private property, as well as impacting the communities of Fernbank, Fingerboards, Glenaladale and Mount Ray; 3 houses and 7 non-residential structures were destroyed and 1,000 head of livestock died.

;February

Strong winds and high temperatures of on 9 February lead to the ignition of 78 separate fires, which resulted the issuing of 150 emergency warnings during the day.

The most serious fire to start during the day ignited when a tree fell on a powerline along Mickleham Rd., Mickelham.{{cite court|litigants=Williams v. AusNet Electricity Services Pty. Ltd.|vol=5296|court=S Cl.|date=2014|url=http://assets.justice.vic.gov.au//supreme/resources/263a9166-03f7-4b3e-8ac2-437bc92fe195/fourth+amended+statement+of+claim.pdf}} The fire spread rapidly north and threatened 1,240 houses and 13,000 residents within the eventual footprint of the fire. At least 810 firefighters, supported by 15 aircraft, battled to contain the fire as it crossed the boundaries of 3 local government areas, and on 14 February the fire was declared under control. During a 23-day period, the fire burned {{convert|22877|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and private property and impacted the communities of Beveridge, Bylands, Chintin, Craigieburn, Darraweit Guim, Donnybrook, Kalkallo, Kilmore, Mickleham, Moranding & Wallan; 18 houses, numerous non-residential buildings, {{convert|1600|km|mi|abbr=on}} of fencing and {{convert|9000|ha|abbr=on}} of pasture and horticulture were destroyed by the fire and at least 16,000 head of livestock died during the blaze and after.

A complex of fires also ignited around Morwell between 7–9 February, burning approximately {{convert|3300|ha|abbr=on}} and impacting the {{convert|1165|ha|abbr=on}} open cut portion of the Hazelwood coal mine managed by GDF Suez.{{cite web|last1=Teague AO|first1=Hon. Bernard|last2=Catford|first2=Prof. Emeritus John|last3=Petering|first3=Sonia|title=Origin and circumstances of the Hazelwood mine fire: The complexity of the Hazelwood mine fire|url=http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-two-fire/origin-circumstances-hazelwood-mine-fire/complexity-hazelwood-mine-fire.html|website=Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry|publisher=Parliament of Victoria|access-date=16 October 2016|date=2014|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019024823/http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-two-fire/origin-circumstances-hazelwood-mine-fire/complexity-hazelwood-mine-fire.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Teague AO|first1=Hon. Bernard|last2=Catford|first2=Prof. Emeritus John|last3=Petering|first3=Sonia|title=Origin and circumstances of the Hazelwood mine fire: The Hazelwood mine fire|url=http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-two-fire/origin-circumstances-hazelwood-mine-fire/hazelwood-mine-fire.html|website=Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry|publisher=Parliament of Victoria|access-date=16 October 2016|date=2014|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019015542/http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-two-fire/origin-circumstances-hazelwood-mine-fire/hazelwood-mine-fire.html|url-status=dead}} The coal dredgers and conveyor belts feeding the coal-fired generators were damaged by fire and were briefly shut down, and the fire also had a significant impact to the health of residents and firefighting personnel during its 45-day duration.{{cite news|title=Victoria bushfires: Crews work to gain upper hand on Mickleham Road fire raging north of Melbourne|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-11/fire-crews-battle-to-gain-upper-hand-on-victorian-blazes/5251036|access-date=16 October 2016|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=11 February 2014}}{{cite web|last1=Teague AO|first1=Hon. Bernard|last2=Catford|first2=Prof. Emeritus John|last3=Petering|first3=Sonia|title=Health and wellbeing – background: Overview|url=http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/health-wellbeing-background/overview.html|website=Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry|publisher=Parliament of Victoria|access-date=16 October 2016|date=2014|quote=The key pollutants emitted during the Hazelwood mine fire were carbon monoxide, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, dioxins and furans, and heavy metals. Each of these pollutants has been linked to potential adverse health effects. Some have immediately noticeable health impacts and others have the potential to produce longer-term adverse health effects.|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019025320/http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/health-wellbeing-background/overview.html|url-status=dead}} Of the 28 firefighting personnel who required medical assistance, 26 were treated for exposure to carbon monoxide; 14 from the CFA and 12 from GDF Suez.{{cite web|last1=Teague AO|first1=Hon. Bernard|last2=Catford|first2=Prof. Emeritus John|last3=Petering|first3=Sonia|title=Firefighter Health: Overview|url=http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/firefighter-health/overview.html|website=Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry|publisher=Parliament of Victoria|access-date=16 October 2016|date=2014|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019022344/http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/firefighter-health/overview.html|url-status=dead}} General practitioner practices in Churchill, Moe, Morwell and Traralgon reported an increase in consultations related to respiratory conditions, including breathing difficulties, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, coughing or throat irritations.{{cite web|last1=Teague AO|first1=Hon. Bernard|last2=Catford|first2=Prof. Emeritus John|last3=Petering|first3=Sonia|title=Health effects: Overview|url=http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/health-effects/overview.html|website=Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry|publisher=Parliament of Victoria|access-date=16 October 2016|date=2014|quote=The Latrobe Valley community, and in particular Morwell, reported suffering distressing adverse health effects from the Hazelwood mine fire, including sore and stinging eyes, headaches and blood noses. The majority of these symptoms resolved when smoke and ash from the mine fire dissipated, but some residents reported continuing symptoms. In addition to these symptoms, a small number of residents reported developing new health conditions as a result of exposure to smoke and ash during the mine fire. There were a number of vulnerable groups in the community who were particularly susceptible to the potential adverse health effects of the smoke and ash, namely those with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, pregnant women and unborn children, children and the elderly.|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019021351/http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/health-effects/overview.html|url-status=dead}} Between 9 February and 10 March, 46 calls related to respiratory problems were taken within Morwell and Traralgon by the Nurse-On-Call service; approximately 30 more than on the same period in years prior.{{cite web|last1=Teague AO|first1=Hon. Bernard|last2=Catford|first2=Prof. Emeritus John|last3=Petering|first3=Sonia|title=Health effects: Health Services Demand|url=http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/health-effects/health-services-demand.html|website=Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry|publisher=Parliament of Victoria|access-date=16 October 2016|date=2014|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019022232/http://report.hazelwoodinquiry.vic.gov.au/part-four-health-wellbeing/health-effects/health-services-demand.html|url-status=dead}}

Other destructive fires that ignited across the state on 9 February included;

File:Riddells Creek bushfire 2014.jpg

• A fire that ignited along Dalrymple Rd., Gisborne South, and burned {{convert|2585|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and private property, impacting the communities of Gisborne, Gisborne South, Riddells Creek and Sunbury. 140 properties were damaged and 5 houses, 47 non-residential buildings, {{convert|160|km|mi|abbr=on}} of fencing and {{convert|760|ha|abbr=on}} of pasture and horticulture were destroyed. The Premier Denis Napthine said "This fire went right to the edge of Riddells Creek. If the fire had got into Riddells Creek and got on to Mount Macedon it would have been an absolute disaster."{{Cite web|last=Carrodus|first=Hannah|date=2014-02-10|title=Gisborne fire was a close call|url=https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/2078435/gisborne-fire-was-a-close-call/|access-date=2024-02-28|website=Bendigo Advertiser|language=en-AU}} The fire was believed to have been deliberately lit.
• A suspicious fire that ignited at a number of separate ignition points along Kaarima Rd. and the Goulburn Valley Hwy., Wunghnu, and burned {{convert|9283|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and private property, impacting the communities of Bunbartha, Numurkah and Wunghnu. Between 250 and 300 properties were damaged and 3 houses, several non-residential buildings, {{convert|330|km|mi|abbr=on}} of fencing and {{convert|2000|ha|abbr=on}} of pasture and horticulture were destroyed.{{cite web|last1=Brient|first1=Toni|title=Cobram police seek answers|url=http://tonibrient.com/blog/2014/2/20/cobram-police-seek-answers|website=tonibrient.com|access-date=14 October 2016|date=20 February 2014|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018213226/http://tonibrient.com/blog/2014/2/20/cobram-police-seek-answers|url-status=dead}}
• A fire that ignited in Warrandyte and burned {{convert|11|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub and private property, impacting houses along Amersham Dr. and Glamis St. within the suburb. Although small, the fire destroyed 3 houses and damaged a number of others.{{cite news|last1=Toscano|first1=Nick|title=Woman loses second house in two years|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/woman-loses-second-house-in-two-years-20140209-329ya.html|access-date=14 October 2016|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|date=9 February 2014}}
• A fire that ignited north-west of the intersection of Egan's Rd. and Yarram-Morwell Rd., between Jack River and Madalya, and burned {{convert|2879|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub, forest and private property, impacting the communities of Jack River, Madalya and Staceys Bridge. At least 25 properties were damaged and 2 houses, several non-residential buildings, {{convert|120|km|mi|abbr=on}} of fencing and {{convert|1600|ha|abbr=on}} of pasture and plantation were destroyed.{{cite news|title=Class action over the Jack River fire|url=http://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/story/2605871/class-action-over-the-jack-river-fire/|access-date=15 October 2016|work=Gippsland Times|publisher=Fairfax Regional Media|date=6 October 2014|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018203616/http://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/story/2605871/class-action-over-the-jack-river-fire/|url-status=dead}}{{cite court|litigants=Ramsay v. AusNet Electricity Services Pty. Ltd.|vol=05162|court=S Cl.|date=2014|url=http://assets.justice.vic.gov.au//supreme/resources/61f4fb74-a53d-4229-8ff0-feb1883455d1/third+further+amended+statement+of+claim+filed+5+february+2016.pdf}}
• A fire that ignited along Dunolly Rd., Emu, and burned {{convert|276|ha|abbr=on}} of scrub and private property, impacting properties in the area and destroying a house and a shed.

{{See also|2014 Perth Hills bushfire}}

;January

On 12 January, a fallen powerpole blown over by gusty winds ignited a fire{{cite journal|editor1-last=Smith|editor1-first=Kristine|title=Beyond the blaze|journal=24seven|date=2014|issue=1|pages=16–19|url=http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/newsandmedia/24seven/24seven/DFES-24seven-2014-Issue1.pdf|publisher=Department of Fire and Emergency Services|access-date=7 October 2016|archive-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326183854/http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/newsandmedia/24seven/24seven/DFES-24seven-2014-Issue1.pdf|url-status=dead}} in the Mundaring municipality of the Perth Hills, completely destroying 57 houses and numerous non-residential buildings. A further six houses were damaged in the suburbs of Mt. Helena, Stoneville, and Parkerville.{{cite book|last1=McLennan|first1=Jim|title=Capturing community members' bushfire experiences: interviews with residents following the 12 January 2014 Parkerville (WA) fire|date=2014|publisher=Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC|location=Australia|isbn=9780994169600|url=http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/BushfireResearch/DFES-Bushfire-Experiences-Parkerville-Bushfire-Jan12-2014.pdf|pages=7–8|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418173143/https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/BushfireResearch/DFES-Bushfire-Experiences-Parkerville-Bushfire-Jan12-2014.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{reflist|group=nb}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|title=Post Season Operations Review: Fire Danger Period 2013/14|author1=Emergency Management Victoria|url=http://files.em.vic.gov.au/Reviews/FDP-OperationalReview-2013-14.pdf|access-date=5 June 2015|location=Melbourne, Victoria|date=2014|publisher=Victoria State Government}}
• {{cite journal|editor-first=Jacqueline|editor-last=Murphy|title=5,113 fires and counting: The fire season kicks off to an early start|journal=Bush Fire Bulletin: Journal of the NSW Rural Fire Service|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|date=2013|volume=35|issue=3|url=http://issuu.com/nswrfs/docs/bfb_vol35_3_2013-web?e=5467805/6799069|access-date=27 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324221709/https://issuu.com/nswrfs/docs/bfb_vol35_3_2013-web?e=5467805/6799069|archive-date=24 March 2016|url-status=bot: unknown}}
• {{cite journal|title=October 2013: A Tribute|journal=Bush Fire Bulletin: Journal of the NSW Rural Fire Service|date=2014|volume=36|issue=2|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/25922/Bush-Fire-Bulletin-2014-Vol-36-No-2.pdf|access-date=5 June 2015|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|location=Lidcombe|editor-first=Jacqueline|editor-last=Murphy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331195919/http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/25922/Bush-Fire-Bulletin-2014-Vol-36-No-2.pdf|archive-date=31 March 2015|url-status=bot: unknown}}

{{Bushfires in Australia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Australian Bushfire Season}}

2013

Australian bushfire

Australian bushfire

Bushfire

Bushfire

Category:2010s fires in Oceania