2013 New South Wales bushfires

On 13 October, the Bureau of Meteorology reported that September 2013 was the warmest on record for NSW. The state-wide mean daily temperature was {{convert|3.4|C-change}} above the historical average and {{convert|0.9|C-change}} above the previous September record (set in 1965). September was the warmest on record for close to 75% of the state and 63 stations, with 100-year stations such as Broken Hill and Wilcannia more than {{convert|1|C-change}} warmer than their previous record; all other areas of the state recorded temperatures in the warmest 10% of years. Widespread temperatures more than {{convert|6|C-change}} above normal were recorded between 22 and 30 September. Warm, dry weather and strong winds during September contributed to significant early-season bushfire activity, particularly along the coastal strip. Fires were particularly prevalent on 10 and 26 September, with two homes destroyed in western Sydney, while several homes in northeast NSW were threatened and the M1 Motorway closed near Taree due to fires on 26 September.{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/month/nsw/summary.shtml|title=NSW in September 2013: Warmest September on record|work=Monthly Climate Summary for New South Wales|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|date=14 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}}

In issuing its forecast for the October to December quarter on 25 September, the Bureau estimated the chance that the maximum temperature will exceed the long-term median maximum temperature are greater than 60% across most of southeast Australia, with odds greater than 70% in parts of the south and east coasts.{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/temp.seaus.shtml|title=Warmer days and nights likely for much of southeast Australia|work=Southeastern Australian temperature outlook for October to December|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|date=25 September 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921080256/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/temp.seaus.shtml|archive-date=21 September 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

In the week leading up to the bushfires, temperatures in the Blue Mountains peaked at {{convert|34.6|C}} at {{NSWcity|Springwood}} on 10 October; with peak windspeed measured at {{convert|46|km/h|abbr=on}} from the northwest, on 13 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW2156.latest.shtml|title=Springwood, New South Wales|work=October 2013 Daily Weather Observations|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|date=20 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}} At {{NSWcity|Lake Macquarie}}, the temperature peaked at {{convert|35.6|C}} also on 10 October; with peak windspeed measured at {{convert|22|km/h|abbr=on}} also from the northwest on 13 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW2159.latest.shtml|title=Lake Macquarie, New South Wales|work=October 2013Bureau of Meteorology|date=20 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}}

The Commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Shane Fitzsimmons {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AFSM}}, issued an extreme fire danger warning for greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains and Central Coast), the greater Hunter, and Illawarra/Shoalhaven regions for 10 October.{{cite press release|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/file_system/attachments/State08/Attachment_20131009_1152DF09.pdf|title=Extreme fire danger for parts of NSW – prepare now|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|date=9 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6KmQ0IjOp?url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/file_system/attachments/State08/Attachment_20131009_1152DF09.pdf|archive-date=31 October 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

;Sunday, 13 October

:Sparking power lines at Salt Ash caused a bushfire that destroyed six homes.{{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|work=News.com.au|access-date=21 October 2013}}

:A fire was ignited at Heatherbrae that would eventually burn {{convert|5000|ha|acre|0|abbr=on}}, allegedly started by two boys, aged eleven and fifteen.{{cite news|url=http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au/story/1857826/young-boys-charged/?cs=762|title=Young boys charged|author=Sarah Price|author2=Ellie-Marie Watts|newspaper=Port Stephens Examiner|page=1|date=22 October 2013|access-date=24 October 2013}}

:A fire that was ignited at Raymond Terrace also on the same day, was allegedly started by the same eleven-year-old boy.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/boys-arrested-as-winds-threaten-to-build-monster-fire-front-20131021-2vx7d.html|title=Boys arrested as winds threaten to build monster fire front|date=22 October 2013|access-date=28 October 2013|author1=Ralston, Nick|author2=Whyte, Sarah|author3=Hannam, Peter|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}

;Tuesday, 15 October

:The Premier announced the arrival from Greece of the Gypsy Lady, a firefighting air-crane, declaring that it was immediately deployed to fight bush fires.{{cite press release|url=http://www.premier.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/AIR-CRANE%20ARRIVES%20FOR%20NSW%20FIRE%20SEASON.pdf|title=Air-Crane arrives for NSW fire season|date=15 October 2013|author=O'Farrell, Barry|author-link=Barry O'Farrell|access-date=20 October 2013|publisher=Government of New South Wales}}

;Wednesday, 16 October

:The State Mine fire was ignited near Marrangaroo, on Australian Defence Force land by an explosives training exercise.

;Thursday, 17 October

:{{Expand section|date=October 2013|section=}}

:The Hall Road fire was ignited near Balmoral by powerlines. The cause of the Linksview fire has not yet been determined however the cause is alleged to have been powerlines in a damages lawsuit,{{cite news|url=http://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/2382648/source-on-winmalee-fire-still-a-mystery/|title=Source on Winmalee fire still a mystery|date=29 June 2014|access-date=30 September 2014|author1=Bibby, Paul|newspaper=Lithgow Mercury}} and quickly spread to Winmalee and Yellow Rock, ultimately destroying 193 houses and damaging approximately 100.

:An underground coal fire reignites the Rutleys Rd fire (30 September) causing the fire to break containment. The fire quickly spread to Lake Munmorah, Chain Valley Bay, Munmorah State Recreation Area and Catherine Hill Bay and ultimately destroying 4 properties and damaging a further 7.

:A man collapsed of a suspected heart attack and died a short time later whilst defending his home from bushfires in {{NSWcity|Lake Munmorah}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-18/bushfire-victim-walter-linder-died-defending-home/5032670|work=ABC News|location=Australia|date=18 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013|title=Lake Munmorah bushfire victim Walter Linder died defending home}}

;Friday, 18 October

:The NSW Government appointed Phil Koperberg to the position of Blue Mountains Bushfire Recovery Coordinator.

;Saturday, 19 October

:{{Expand section|date=October 2013|section=}}

;Sunday, 20 October

:By midday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service stated that conditions were deteriorating across the state, with dry north-westerly winds forecast to return.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-20/nsw-bushfires3a-total-fire-ban-in-place-as-firefighters-brace-/5033728|title=NSW bushfires: Fires continue burning as conditions deteriorate|date=20 October 2013|time=12:00|access-date=20 October 2013|work=ABC News|location=Australia}}

:The Rural Fire Service Commissioner wrote to the Premier requesting that a state of emergency be declared. The Premier approved the declaration.{{cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/10/20/state-emergency-nsw-amid-worsening-fire-conditions|title=State of emergency in NSW amid worsening fire conditions|date=20 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013|agency=SBS with agencies|work=SBS World News|location=Australia}}

:A fire was ignited near {{NSWcity|Maitland}}, allegedly started by a boy, aged fourteen.

;Monday, 21 October

:NSW Health authorities issued a public health warning due to poor air quality across the State; with {{NSWcity|Campbelltown}} and {{NSWcity|Camden}} the worst affected areas.{{cite news|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/10/21/12/18/nsw-bushfire-smoke-sparks-health-warning|title=NSW bushfire smoke sparks health warning|date=21 October 2013|work=Nine News|location=Australia|access-date=23 October 2013|agency=Australian Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192555/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/10/21/12/18/nsw-bushfire-smoke-sparks-health-warning|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

;Tuesday, 22 October

:The Rural Fire Service (RFS) announced that overnight back burn efforts forced the deliberate merger of the two fires that originated near Lithgow and Mount Victoria, in the Blue Mountains.{{cite news|url=http://www.afp.com/en/news/topstories/australia-merges-major-blazes-manage-infernos/ | title=Australia merges major blazes to manage infernos | date=22 October 2013 | agency=Agence France-Presse | access-date=22 October 2013}}

:The Bureau of Meteorology issued a fire weather warning for Wednesday, 23 October. An extreme fire danger warning was forecast for the Greater Hunter and Greater Sydney regions; and a severe fire danger warning issued for the New South Wales North Coast.{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/fire.shtml|title=Fire Weather Warning for the North Coast, Greater Hunter and Greater Sydney Region fire areas|work=Fire Weather Warning|date=22 October 2013|access-date=22 October 2013|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology}}

:The warning triggered the closure of all government, Catholic and independent schools, including child care centres and pre-schools, in the Blue Mountains local government area.

:The RFS Commissioner prepared the community for the day ahead by stating that "This will be as bad as it gets. On days like [this], there's a very real potential for more loss of homes and life".{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/this-will-be-as-bad-as-it-gets-blue-mountains-fire-crews-prepare-for-the-worst-20131022-2vz3h.html#ixzz2iRbVPzAD|title='This will be as bad as it gets': Blue Mountains fire crews prepare for the worst|author1=Ralston, Nick|author2=Partridge, Emma|date=22 October 2013|access-date=22 October 2013|work=Sydney Morning Herald}}

;Wednesday, 23 October

:In spite of the extreme fire danger warnings of 22 October, the weather was not as bad as predicted. The threat of damage was countermanded by the use of aircraft-borne heat-seeking infra-red scanning equipment and the diligence of RFS local brigade members.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/lucky-country-20131025-2w761.html#ixzz2ini06N8T|title=Lucky country|author=Murphy, Damien|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=26 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}}

:In the Hunter region, fires were ignited or became notable at {{NSWcity|Minmi}} and {{NSWcity|Gateshead}}, forcing the temporary closure of the Pacific Motorway; and in the {{NSWcity|Dudley}}-{{NSWcity|Redhead}} area.

;Thursday, 24 October

:A pilot of a fixed-wing aircraft died in a crash while fighting fires in rugged bushland west of Ulladulla.

File:Fire in Lithgow.jpg

The most severe fires were located across the Greater Blue Mountains Area; with 210 houses and other buildings destroyed. Three major fires, starting in {{NSWcity|Lithgow}}, {{NSWcity|Springwood}} and {{NSWcity|Mount Victoria}}, attracted emergency warnings from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service on 17, 19 and 20 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=683 |title=Current Fires and Incidents |publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019130751/http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=683 |archive-date=19 October 2013 |access-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy }} By 22 October, the fires that originated in Lithgow and Mount Victoria had spread significantly from their original point of ignition and were deliberately merged through controlled burning by firefighters.

{{quotation|The decision to merge the edges of the infernos near Lithgow and Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains is designed to destroy the land in a managed way, depriving the fires of the fuel that would otherwise have allowed them to merge uncontrolled.|NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons.}}

{{asof|2013|10|25}}, fires in the Greater Blue Mountains Area had burnt out over {{convert|65000|ha}}, much of the area lying within the Blue Mountains and Wollemi national parks.

The State Mine fire started as a minor fire on 16 October 2013 near a defence force training base at Marrangaroo,{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/bushfires/rfs-says-82-bushfires-16-uncontrolled-still-burning-in-nsw/story-fngw0i02-1226742974334|agency=Australian Associated Press|work=The Australian|date=19 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|title=RFS says 82 bushfires, 16 uncontrolled, still burning in NSW}} and travelled up to {{convert|25|km}} on 17 October. The fire affected most of the {{NSWcity|Lithgow}} and Bilpin area, and was the main producer of smoke that travelled across the Sydney metropolitan area on the afternoon of 17 October. Some properties were lost in the fire, most of them being on the outskirts of the Lithgow district, where the fire burned. It burned out most of the northern region of the Blue Mountains National Park, parts of Wollemi National Park, and triggered the evacuation of most of the Lithgow region. The communities affected included {{NSWcity|Bell}}, Berambing, Bilpin, {{NSWcity|Clarence}}, Dargan, Hartley Vale, Lithgow, McKellars Park, {{NSWcity|Mount Irvine}}, and {{NSWcity|Mount Wilson}}. The fire burnt out more than {{convert|55000|ha}} between Lithgow and Bilpin.{{cite news|title=RFS: State Mine fire under control, but still dangerous|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-18/state-mine-fri/5030568|work=ABC News|date=17 October 2013 |location=Australia|access-date=19 October 2013}} An investigation later revealed that the fire was caused by explosives training which was being carried out by the Australian Defence Force.{{cite news| author=Staff Writers |url=http://m.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/defence-department-admits-to-starting-state-mine-fire-around-lithgow-and-blue-mountains/story-fni0xqrb-1226745502977 | title=Defence department admits to starting State Mine Fire around Lithgow and Blue Mountains | date=23 October 2013 |publisher=Herald-Sun |access-date=23 October 2013}} In 2013, a commission of inquiry as to the problems that led to the fire was begun before former Sydney judge, John O'Meally.{{Cite news|author=Staff |date=9 December 2013 |title=Defence land where massive State Mine fire began was full of unexploded bombs: inquiry |newspaper=The Australian |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/defence-land-where-massive-state-mine-fire-began-was-full-of-unexploded-bombs-inquiry/story-e6frg6nf-1226778618984 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209063200/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/defence-land-where-massive-state-mine-fire-began-was-full-of-unexploded-bombs-inquiry/story-e6frg6nf-1226778618984 |archive-date=9 December 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}

The iconic Zig Zag Railway was mostly destroyed by the State Mine fire.{{cite news|last=Holliday|first=Rebekah|title=Fire tears through iconic Zig Zag Railway|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fire-tears-through-iconic-zig-zag-railway-20131019-2vt6v.html|access-date=19 October 2013|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 October 2013}} Due to re-open in November, after closure following accreditation issues with the New South Wales Government, the railway suffered millions of dollars of damage which included ten passenger carriages, accommodation carriages, a near-complete new shower block and meals room, spare parts centre and workshop. Much of the damage was suffered by original railway equipment from the 1920s. It is estimated that the railway would take a full year to recover from the State Mine fire.

The fire in the {{NSWcity|Springwood}} area began in bushland adjacent to Linksview Road, just before 1.30pm on 17 October.{{cite web|title=Linksview Road Fire, Springwood (Blue Mountains)|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=21500&CAT_ID=684|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|access-date=19 October 2013}} It has been alleged in a damages lawsuit to be caused by powerline damage due to strong winds felling a tree that had not been removed by the owner of the property on which it was located, however a Police investigation is still ongoing and is yet to determine the cause. The fire spread over {{convert|3500|ha}}, primarily in Winmalee and Yellow Rock and nearby bushland, completely destroyed 193 houses and partially damaged approximately 200 more.{{cite news|last1=Bibby|first1=Paul|title=Blue Mountains bushfire class action: "We don't know what caused the fire"|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/blue-mountains-bushfire-class-action-we-dont-know-what-caused-the-fire-20140613-zs6sp.html|access-date=8 March 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=13 June 2014}} A subsequent report described the damage in the Springwood, Mt Victoria and Lithgow fires that "took hold within minutes and went on to destroy a total of 203 homes and damage another 286." The report noted: "Financial losses have been estimated at around $170 million. Springwood Hospital was evacuated as were a number of nursing homes and several hundred children from schools."{{cite news|last=Curtin |first=Jennie |title=How did we lose 203 homes in the 2013 bushfires? |url=https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/3120034/how-did-we-lose-203-homes-in-the-2013-bushfires/ |work=Blue Mountains Gazette |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=2 June 2015 |access-date=7 August 2018}}

Affected streets were Singles Ridge Road and most of the streets that intersect it, as well as some other nearby streets. The fire also impacted on the grounds of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, and led to evacuations and lock-downs at several schools in Springwood and Winmalee that afternoon and evening. Over the following weeks, the fire spread to bushland in Faulconbridge, but firefighters successfully protected residential properties there.

On 17 October a fire burning near the Mount York Road, north northwest of the village of {{NSWcity|Mount Victoria}}, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains plateau, had burned only a few hectares by 13:56 AEDT.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-17/emergency-warning-issued-over-bushfire-near-lithgow/5028264|title=Emergency warnings issued for four NSW bushfires, near Lithgow, Mt Victoria, Wollongong and Newcastle|work=ABC News|location=Australia|date=17 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}} Yet within minutes the fire had broken containment lines and by 15:45 AEDT an emergency warning was issued as the fire burned towards Mount Victoria as it destroyed seven houses, crossed the Darling Causeway to the east, and was burning into the Grose Valley, north of Mount Boyce and {{NSWcity|Blackheath}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=683|title=Mt York Rd, Mt Victoria|work=Current Fires and Incidents|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|date=21 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013}} The fire crossed to the west of Mount York Road and threatened properties in the Kanimbla and Megalong valleys.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=684|title=Watch and Act – Mount York Road, Mount Victoria Fire (Blue Mountains)|date=21 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|work=Major Fire Updates}} Back burning efforts by the RFS overnight on 21–22 October introduced 'The Plug', which forced the deliberate merger of the Mount Victoria fire with the fires that originated near Lithgow. 'The Plug' was the brain child of a long term resident, former National Parks Officer, serving Rural Fire Service Officer and general font of fire-fighting knowledge in the Blue Mountains, Peter Verhoeven. Authorities were concerned that weather conditions forecast for 23 October could drive the now merged fire eastwards, with little chance of stopping it, resulting in potentially disastrous impacts on many towns in the Blue Mountains. Consequently, the NSW Government ordered the closure of every school and child care centre on 23 October, and urged all residents of the Blue Mountains who did not need to be in the mountains to leave early that day prior to 9am to prevent possible loss of life and traffic congestion should fire fighting equipment needed to be moved rapidly. Hundreds of mountains residents left either on the 22nd or very early morning the 23rd ensuring fire fighters could work without hassle.

Fortunately the weather was not quite as bad as forecast and fire fighters were able to slow its progress with most of the fire activity taking place around the State Mine fire on the Bells Line of Road.

The fire spread over {{convert|9000|ha}}; before being declared officially out by 13 November, with its cause attributed to strong winds with resultant powerline damage.

A number of smaller scrub fires were ignited in the Hawkesbury local government area, including fires at Gorricks Creek, Howes Swamp, Mellong and {{NSWcity|Webbs Creek}}. {{asof|2013|10|25}}, these fires had burnt out approximately {{convert|4000|ha}}.

Major bushfires at several locations in the Hunter Valley and Central Coast regions caused significant damage and posed threats to people and property. There was one fatality in the {{NSWcity|Lake Munmorah}} area, on 17 October, where a man died of a heart attack trying to defend his own home. Fires in the two regions had burned nearly {{convert|33500|ha}}.

Two fires in the Great Lakes local government area, near Bulahdelah and in the upper reaches of the Karuah River, burnt over {{convert|1830|ha}} of bushland.

In the Upper Hunter area, a fire near Mount Tangory, approximately {{convert|15|km}} east of {{NSWcity|Singleton}}, burnt over {{convert|1300|ha}} of bushland, with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service attending to fire control. In the Muswellbrook Shire, a fire that ignited near Hungerford Creek burnt more than {{convert|22000|ha}} of native bushland in the Wollemi National Park.

Fires in the Port Stephens area were first reported on 13 October, in the Tilligerry State Conservation Area between Salt Ash and Tanilba Bay,{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2013/10/13/3868002.htm?site=newcastle|title=Properties lost in Port Stephens bushfires at Salt Ash|author=Duncan, Carol|work=ABC Newcastle|date=13 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013}} destroying six homes and burning approximately {{convert|50|ha}}; triggered by sparking power lines. Overnight, fire authorities had downgraded the bushfire to 'watch and act' level, but warned that a predicted southerly change could spread the blaze.{{cite news|work=SBS World News|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/10/13/strong-winds-expected-amid-nsw-bushfires|title=Strong winds expected amid NSW bushfires|date=14 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013|agency=Australian Associated Press}}

A fire that started on 13 October 2013 to the east of Hank Street in Heatherbrae burnt out large sections of bushland in Heatherbrae and Tomago almost reaching the Hunter River to the south, resulting in the closure of Cabbage Tree Road, from the Pacific Highway to Nelson Bay Road.{{cite web|title=Current Fires and Incidents|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=683|work=Current operations|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|date=24 October 2013|access-date=24 October 2013}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/1851699/bushfire-update-total-fire-bans-for-hunter/?cs=12|title=BUSHFIRE UPDATE: Total fire bans for Hunter|newspaper=Newcastle Herald|date=19 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013}} From Heatherbrae it moved in an easterly direction burning bushland in Raymond Terrace and {{NSWcity|Williamtown}}, causing the closure of Newcastle Airport and Nelson Bay Road, the main road from {{NSWcity|Newcastle}} to Port Stephens.{{cite news|url=http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1847192/rolling-coverage-heatherbrae-fire-threat-remains/?cs=171|title=ROLLING COVERAGE: Heatherbrae fire threat remains|first=Belinda-Jane|last=Davis|newspaper=Maitland Mercury|date=17 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013}} Near the Heatherbrae roundabout embers from the fire started a secondary blaze that burned a portion of the grass median of the Pacific Highway northeast of the roundabout. The main fire forced the closure of Masonite Road and Camfield Drive, but remained east of the Pacific Highway. After a southerly wind change, the fire headed northeast, burning more of the Raymond Terrace and Williamtown bushland, surrounding Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown on three sides, but remaining west of Medowie Road. At Campvale, north of Williamtown, the fire crossed Richardson Road burning much of the Campvale bushland. The fire eventually stopped after burning into the southwestern corner of Medowie, approximately {{convert|13|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from where it began. To the west, the fire remained east of the Pacific Highway, stopping just short of the Lakeside area, the easternmost subdivision of Raymond Terrace.{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/1846942/the-hunter-in-flames-lake-macquarie-homes-under-threat/?cs=305|title=THE HUNTER IN FLAMES: Lake Macquarie homes under threat|newspaper=The Newcastle Herald|date=17 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2013}} Although homes were threatened, none were lost.{{cite press release|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/file_system/attachments/State08/Attachment_20131019_1D0FD239.pdf |title=Update – Damage assessment and fire investigation |date=19 October 2013 |access-date=21 October 2013 |publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021095907/http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/file_system/attachments/State08/Attachment_20131019_1D0FD239.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2013 }} By 21 October, the fire was declared under control, having burned approximately {{convert|5000|ha}}. Two boys, aged eleven and 15, have been charged for starting the fire.

{{multiple image

| align = center

| direction = horizontal

| width = 200

| image1 = Hank St Heatherbrae 02 20131020.jpg

| caption1 = Eastern end of Hank Street, Heatherbrae, near where the fire started

| image2 = Heatherbrae smoke 20131017.jpg

| caption2 = Smoke from the fire seen from the Raymond Terrace bypass section of the Pacific Highway, approximately {{convert|3|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} away.

| image3 = Campvale homes 20131020.jpg

| caption3 = Homes at Campvale were threatened, but none were lost.

| image4 = Burnttree Campvale 02 20131020.jpg

| caption4 = Heat from burning trees on the opposite side of Richardson Road seared leaves on trees and foliage on the fence of Campvale properties but caused little other damage. Even the grass remained green.

| header = Images from the Port Stephens fire that started at Heatherbrae

| header_align = center

}}

In the Newcastle local government area, a fire that was ignited near Stockrington Road at {{NSWcity|Minmi}}, west of Newcastle central business district, became notable on 23 October;{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-bushfires-live-updates-october-23-20131023-2vzs8.html|title=NSW bushfies: lives updates October 23|author=Tovey, Josephine|date=23 October 2013|access-date=23 October 2013|work=Sydney Morning Herald}} an emergency warning was issued by the RFS at 12:20 AEDT{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/1859765/fire-updates-police-detain-eight-year-olds-attempting-to-start-fire/?cs=305|title=FIRE UPDATES: Dudley/Redhead downgraded|date=23 October 2013|access-date=23 October 2013|newspaper=Newcastle Herald}} and the Pacific Motorway was closed at 13:40 AEDT, between Beresfield and Seahampton; and later re-opened to traffic.{{cite news|title=Rolling Coverage: Hunter on fire|work=Maitland Mercury|author=Davis, Benda-Jane|date=23 October 2013}} {{asof|2013|10|25}}, the fire had burnt over {{convert|250|ha}}.

On 23 October an emergency warning was issued, that was later downgraded, for a fire ignited near Oakdale Road at {{NSWcity|Gateshead}} in the Lake Macquarie local government area; in the {{NSWcity|Dudley}}-{{NSWcity|Redhead}} area. Late in the evening on 23 October the fire was burning towards the Awabakal Nature Reserve;{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/10/23/3875041.htm|title=Hunter fire situation improves|author=McMahon, Jeannette|work=1233 ABC Newcastle|location=Australia|date=23 October 2013|access-date=23 October 2013}} and by 25 October the fire had burnt over {{convert|242|ha}}.

Fires on the Central Coast were centred around the {{NSWcity|Lake Munmorah}} area. The Ruttleys Road fire{{cite web|title=Ruttleys Road Fire (Wyong LGA)|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=21505&CAT_ID=684|publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|access-date=19 October 2013}} posed a potential threat to properties in Nords Wharf, Cams Wharf, Catherine Hill Bay, Gwandalan and Summerland Point. The fire peaked on 18 October, with the main concern placed on residents living in the Chain Valley Bay area.{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/1849518/nsw-bush-fires-fire-threat-destruction-keep-state-on-edge/?cs=2452|title=NSW bush fires: Fire threat, destruction keep state on edge|date=19 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|work=Newcastle Herald|agency=Australian Associated Press}} Large areas of forest in the Munmorah State Conservation Area were burned.{{cite news|first1=Richard|last1=Noone|first2=Errol|last2=Smith|first3=Terry|last3=Collins|url=http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/raging-bushfires-claim-first-victim-as-flames-continue-to-rip-through-doyalson-and-mannering-park/story-fngr8h0p-1226742176210|title=Raging bushfires claim first victim as flames continue to rip through Doyalson and Mannering Park|date=18 October 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=Australia|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=19 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019131756/http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/raging-bushfires-claim-first-victim-as-flames-continue-to-rip-through-doyalson-and-mannering-park/story-fngr8h0p-1226742176210|url-status=dead}} On 17 October fires forced the closure of the Pacific Highway in both directions between {{NSWcity|Swansea}} and Lake Munmorah.{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/1846942/the-hunter-in-flames-lake-macquarie-homes-under-threat/|title=The Hunter in flames: Lake Macquarie homes under threat|date=17 October 2013|access-date=19 October 2013|work=Newcastle Herald|author1=Rigney, Sam|author2=Carr, Matt}} {{asof|2013|10|23}} the fire had burnt approximately {{convert|2850|ha}} of bushland and was under control.

In the Southern Highlands region, a fire that originated in the village of Balmoral in the Wingecarribee local government area was centred on the Hall Road fire, that broke containment lines on 17 October; and headed towards Yanderra. Flames of up {{convert|7|m}} were reported. Fire authorities issued an emergency warning, and school children from Yanderra Public School were evacuated to Bargo. The Hume Motorway was closed in both directions, between Mittagong and {{NSWcity|Wilton}}, with south-bound traffic queued for {{convert|20|km}}; and the Main Southern railway line closed between {{NSWcity|Picton}} and Moss Vale.{{cite news|title=Fire burning in Balmoral, heading to Yanderra|work=Wollondilly Advertiser|author1=Tarasov, Anne|author2=Dougherty, Scott|url=http://www.wollondillyadvertiser.com.au/story/1847456/fire-burning-in-balmoral-heading-to-yanderra/?cs=1300|date=17 October 2013|access-date=22 October 2013}} By 21 October, the fire warning was downgraded. Whilst the communities of {{NSWcity|Alpine}}, {{NSWcity|Aylmerton}}, Balmoral, Bargo, {{NSWcity|Buxton}}, Couridjah, {{NSWcity|Hill Top}}, Pheasants Nest, Wilton, Yanderra, and Yerrinbool were all threatened or affected by the Hall Road fire;{{cite news|url=http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1847454/rolling-coverage-illawarra-braced-for-worst/?cs=300|title=ROLLING COVERAGE: Illawarra braced for worst|work=Illawarra Mercury|date=21 October 2013|access-date=22 October 2013}} only two houses and ten other buildings were destroyed. Over {{convert|15600|ha}} were burnt.

In the period from 13 October, fires were scattered across the state, concentrated along the Great Dividing Range. On the NSW South Coast, a fire near Wirritin in the Shoalhaven local government area, west of Ulladulla burnt {{convert|4000|ha}} of bushland; and claimed the life of the pilot of a plane which crashed while fighting fires in the rugged bushland. On the Mid North Coast region, a fire that was ignited in the upper catchment of the Dungay Creek within the Kempsey Shire burnt more than {{convert|3400|ha}}; and three separate fires in the Clarence Valley local government area, concentrated in the Chaelundi National Park and in the Dalmorton State Forest, burnt over {{convert|7700|ha}} of bushland.

Two fatalities were attributed to the fires. At least 248 dwellings and other buildings were destroyed; with 193 properties destroyed and 109 damaged in the lower Blue Mountains at Springwood, Winmalee and Yellow Rock.{{cite web |url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=684 | title=Watch and Act – Linksview Road Fire, Springwood (Blue Mountains) 19/10/13 11:40 | date=19 October 2013 | publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service|access-date=19 October 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info_latest.cfm?CON_ID=21528 | title=Initial assessment of Winmalee and Springwood areas| date=18 September 2013| publisher=New South Wales Rural Fire Service| access-date=18 September 2013}} More than {{convert|118000|ha|acre|0}} of bushland were burnt across the state, concentrated around the eastern seaboard and highlands.

HSC examinations in some regions were affected by the bushfires. Among the schools affected by the fires, St. Columba's Catholic College, close to the Linksview Road Fire were evacuated mid-exam. Springwood High School and Winmalee High School. Lake Munmorah High School near the Ruttleys Road Fire was also evacuated. NSW Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli advised school students and parents attending affected schools, "Students should not take risks to get to an exam. The first priority for every student is to make sure that they are safe,".{{cite web|title=Education Minister Adrian Piccoli says students with fire-disrupted HSC exams should put safety first|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/education-minister-adrian-piccoli-says-students-with-firedisrupted-hsc-exams-should-put-safety-first/story-fni0cx12-1226742309075|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=Australia|access-date=19 October 2013}} On 23 October every school in the Blue Mountains was closed to facilitate the work of the emergency services and to encourage residents to leave the mountains that day for their own safety.

Transport across the state was severely affected at its peak on 17 and 18 October and again on 23 October. Southwest of Sydney, the Hume Motorway was closed in both directions as a result of the bushfire at Balmoral. In the Blue Mountains, the Bells Line of Road was closed in both directions. The Great Western Highway, whilst not closed, was impacted by high traffic loads. The Pacific Highway was also closed in both directions from Swansea to Lake Munmorah between 17 and 18 October due to the fire at Lake Munmorah; and again on 23 October between Beresfield and Seahampton, caused by the fire at Minmi. Buses replaced trains on sections of the Blue Mountains{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/nsw-fires-cause-20kilometre-traffic-jam-20131017-2vpjb.html#ixzz2iDPJVBGK|title=NSW fires cause 20-kilometre traffic jam|author=Davies, Lisa|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}} and Southern Highlands railway lines. As motorists sought alternate routes, congestion was felt on the Illawarra Highway, the Princes Highway and the Pacific Motorway.

File:Country Fire Service bulk water carrier and pumper tanker passing though Wagga Wagga.jpg passing through Wagga Wagga, en route to the Blue Mountains.]]

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service and Fire & Rescue New South Wales responded to up to 100 fires on 17 October. On 19 October crews from fire authorities in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland joined to assist NSW emergency services' teams.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-bushfires-live-updates-20131018-2vqag.html|title=NSW bushfires: live updates|date=18 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|work=Sydney Morning Herald}} Additional support was provided from fire authorities interstate again on 23 October. Approximately {{formatnum:2000}} firefighters, deployed on rotation, and 200 fire engines were operational in the Blue Mountains area alone.{{cite news|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/225327/nsw-fire-crews-brace-for-extreme-heat-and-wind|title=NSW fire crews brace for extreme heat and wind|date=22 October 2013|access-date=24 October 2013|work=Radio New Zealand}} The Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, confirmed on 19 October that bushfire-affected communities would have access to disaster assistance in nineteen local government areas.

{{asof|2013|10|26}}, A$5.5 million had been raised via public appeals from The Salvation Army, the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Australian Red Cross, ANGLICARE Diocese of Sydney and the Blue Mountains City Council Mayoral Relief Fund, asking for people to donate cash, rather than goods.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/bushfires/rfs-issues-top-emergency-warning-for-bilpin-and-lithgow/story-fngw0i02-1226743019538|title=Little relief from mountain fires in NSW is expected before Tuesday|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=20 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|work=The Australian}} On behalf of the royal family, Charles, Prince of Wales, donated an undisclosed amount to the Australian Red Cross.{{cite news|title=Prince Charles Donates to the Australian Red Cross for Bushfire Victims|work=International Business Times|author=Yenko, Athena|date=24 October 2013|access-date=24 October 2013|url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/516359/20131024/australia-bushfire-prince-charles-red-cross.htm}} Personal messages of support and sympathy were received by the Governor of New South Wales from Australia's monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and Pope Francis.{{cite news|url=http://www.afr.com/p/national/evacuations_planned_as_nsw_bushfire_VYmgEVrZKJdI63tICnn2nO|title=Evacuations planned as NSW bushfire fears grow|work=The Australian Financial Review|date=19 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|author=Woodhead, Ben}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-bushfires-live-updates-20131020-2vumk.html#ixzz2iEVexsWD|title=NSW bushfires: live updates|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=20 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|author=Ralston, Nick}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/queen-sends-message-sympathy-australians-2471971|title=Queen sends message of sympathy to Australians devastated by huge bush fires|author1=Hayward, Stephen|author2=Doohan, Steve|work=Daily Mirror|location=England|date=19 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}}

{{quotation|I would like to convey my heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been affected by the devastating bushfires across New South Wales. My thoughts are with the many people who have lost their homes or livelihoods in the fires, and I have great admiration for the fire fighters, volunteers and emergency services officers who are working tirelessly to contain the situation.|Elizabeth II, to the Governor of New South Wales.}}

Under the {{Cite Legislation AU|NSW|act|searma1989331|State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989}}, the Premier of New South Wales declared a state of emergency for thirty days, with effect on 20 October, empowering emergency personnel to evict residents and demolish fire-affected buildings.{{cite press release|url=http://www.nsw.gov.au/news/premier-declares-state-emergency|title=Premier declares State of Emergency|date=21 October 2013|author=O'Farrell, Barry|author-link=Barry O'Farrell|publisher=Government of New South Wales|access-date=27 October 2013}} Under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment scheme, people affected were eligible for a A$1000 cash payment for adults and A$400 for each child, subject to certain conditions for residents within the Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Muswellbrook, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Wingecarribee and Wyong local government areas.{{cite web|format=PDF|url=http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/download.cfm?f=EEDC9AA7-3E86-428F-96C67635025F8E9D|title=Important information for people affected by the NSW bushfires|date=October 2013|access-date=27 October 2013|work=Centrelink|publisher=Department of Human Services}} A range of relief measures, including personal hardship and distress assistance, were made available by the NSW Government via the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services.{{cite web|format=PDF|title=NSW Natural Disaster Assistance Schemes|date=18 October 2013|work=Ministry for Police and Emergency Services|publisher=Government of New South Wales|access-date=27 October 2013|url=http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/download.cfm?f=56FD2168-3459-4BE1-BFCD9E238F1831DC}}

In the worst affected area of the Blue Mountains, the risk of asbestos contamination forced authorities to ban owners and the public from visiting houses destroyed by fire, until clearance was given. A recovery centre was established at Springwood, an animal evacuation shelter at Hawkesbury Showground, and emergency authorities conducted numerous meetings in locations where fires threatened communities.{{cite web|url=http://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/currentemergencies/bushfires|title=NSW Bush Fires|work=Ministry for Police and Emergency Services|publisher=Government of New South Wales|access-date=27 October 2013}} The NSW Government appointed Phil Koperberg to the position of Blue Mountains Bushfire Recovery Coordinator.{{cite news|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2013-10-18/nsw-bushfire-emergency-firefighters-hope-to-take-advantage-of-cooler-conditions/1207108|title=NSW bushfire emergency: Firefighters hope to take advantage of cooler conditions|work=Radio Australia|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=19 October 2013|access-date=27 October 2013|agency=ABC/wires}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcouncil/bushfirerecoveryinformation|title=Bushfire recovery information|publisher=Blue Mountains City Council|date=October 2013|access-date=27 October 2013}}

The bushfires received prominent coverage on the BBC News,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/|date=19 October 2013|title=Home page|work=BBC News|location=UK|access-date=20 October 2013}} with correspondent, Jon Donnison filing:{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24575830|title=Australian wildfires raze homes in New South Wales|date=18 October 2013|author=Donnison, Jon|work=BBC News|access-date=20 October 2013}}

For families living around the small community of Springwood in the Blue Mountains, many have had their lives turned upside down. Australians are well used to the threat of bush fires, but nothing can prepare you for the moment when you return home to find your house and everything inside utterly gutted by fire. Several fires are still burning around Springwood. Relays of helicopters whirr through the smoky haze, dumping water to try and douse the flames. A drop in the temperature today has given fire fighters a window to try and get on top of the situation before the weekend, when the mercury is expected to rise again. It's only spring here. The fear is of a long and difficult summer fire season.

Other international coverage was also provided by the New York Times,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/21/world/asia/australia-struggles-to-control-wildfires.html?_r=1&|title=Australia Struggles to Control Wildfires|agency=The Associated Press|date=20 October 2013|access-date=25 October 2013|newspaper=New York Times}} CNN,{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/17/world/asia/australia-fires/|title=Australia bush fires claim their first victim|author=Smith-Spark, Laura|publisher=CNN|date=18 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}} Al Jazeera,{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/10/australia-bushfires-destroy-scores-homes-2013101942347824395.html|title=Australia bushfires destroy scores of homes|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=19 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|agency=Al Jazeera and agencies}} The Guardian including on the UK-site homepage,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/17/bushfires-rage-in-nsw-as-emergency-warnings-issued-live-blog|title=NSW bushfires – 'This is as bad as it gets'|author1=Davidson, Helen|author2=Siddique, Haroon|date=18 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013|work=The Guardian|location=UK}} and the New Zealand Herald.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11142586|title=Firefighters battle on regardless of personal tragedies|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=19 October 2013|access-date=20 October 2013}}

On 21 October, Christiana Figueres, a UN official on climate change, told CNN:{{cite news|url=http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/21/un-climate-chief-absolutely-link-between-climate-change-and-wildfires/?iref=allsearch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200650/http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/21/un-climate-chief-absolutely-link-between-climate-change-and-wildfires/?iref=allsearch|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2013|author=Krever, Mick|agency=CNN|work=CNN|title='Absolutely' a link between climate change and wildfires, U.N. climate chief Figueres tells Amanpour|date=21 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}}

The World Meteorological Organization has not established a direct link between this wildfire and climate change – yet. But what is absolutely clear is the science is telling us that there are increasing heat waves in Asia, Europe, and Australia; that there these will continue; that they will continue in their intensity and in their frequency.

The Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, criticised earlier comments made by Australian Greens' MP Adam Bandt,{{cite news|author=Bandt, Adam|author-link=Adam Bandt|newspaper=The Guardian|location=Australia|title=By repealing the carbon tax, Tony Abbott is failing to protect his people|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/16/by-repealling-the-carbon-tax-tony-abbott-is-failing-to-protect-its-people|date=16 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}}{{cite news|author=Kelly, Joe|newspaper=The Australian|location=Australia|title=Bandt 'politicising' blazes was disgusting|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/bushfires/bandt-politicising-blazes-was-disgusting/story-fngw0i02-1226742790365|date=19 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-18/adam-bandt-defends-bushfire-attack-on-abbott/5030368|title=Greens deputy Adam Bandt defends bushfire attack on Tony Abbott|work=ABC News|location=Australia|date=18 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}}{{cite news|author=Holmes, David|url=http://theconversation.com/is-the-abbott-government-fiddling-while-nsw-burns-19339|title=Is the Abbott government fiddling while NSW burns?|date=18 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013|work=The Conversation|location=Australia|publisher=The Conversation Media Group}} with Abbott stating on 17 October that "Australia is a country which is prone to natural disaster but every time it strikes, it hurts and we grieve for all of those who are now hurting because of what's happened in NSW".{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-to-visit-bushfire-hit-areas-in-nsw-20131018-2vr8v.html#ixzz2in8sj0G0|title=Tony Abbott to visit bushfire hit areas in NSW|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|author=Ireland, Judith|date=18 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}} Abbott dismissed the claims made by Figueres and in an interview on national radio stated that "Climate change is real as I've often said and we should take strong action against it. But these fires are certainly not a function of climate change, they're a function of life in Australia."{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/un-official-talking-through-her-hat-on-bushfires-and-climate-change-says-tony-abbott-20131023-2w0mz.html#ixzz2inACSugg|title=UN official 'talking through her hat' on bushfires and climate change, says Tony Abbott|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|author=Ireland, Judith|date=23 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}} Abbott's comments attracted a stern rebuke from former US Vice President Al Gore.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/24/al-gore-attacks-tony-abbotts-refusal-to-link-bushfires-with-climate-change|title=Al Gore attacks Tony Abbott's refusal to link bushfires with climate change|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=24 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013|work=The Guardian|location=UK}}{{cite interview|last=Gore|first=Al|subject-link=Al Gore|others=Annabel Crabb|title='Like cigarettes and lung cancer' - Al Gore links climate change and fires|publisher=ABC1|date=23 October 2013|work=7.30|access-date=26 October 2013|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2013/s3875600.htm}}

{{quotation|Well, it's not my place to get involved in your politics, but it reminds me of politicians here in the United States who got a lot of support from the tobacco companies and who argued to the public that there was absolutely no connection between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer. And for 40 years the tobacco companies were able to persuade pliant politicians within their grip to tell the public what they wanted them to tell them. And for 40 years the tragedy continued. And bushfires can occur naturally, and do, but the science shows clearly that when the temperature goes up and when the vegetation and soils dry out, then wildfires become more pervasive and more dangerous. That's not me saying it, that's what the scientific community says.|Al Gore, interviewed on the ABCTV 7.30 program, 23 October 2013.}}

{{stack|{{Portal|New South Wales}}}}

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• [https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/oct/17/australia-bushfires-smoke-sydney-in-pictures Photo gallery of the fires]

{{Bushfires in Australia}}

New South Wales bushfires

Category:Bushfires in New South Wales

Bushfires

Category:October 2013 in Australia