History of Bushfires in NSW
Where Do Fires Occur Across NSW?
Fires cluster heavily along the coastal ranges where eucalypt forests meet urban development.
1970
2024
How Has Fire Activity Changed Over Time?
Wildfire frequency spikes during major drought years, particularly 2001-2002 and 2019-2020. Prescribed burns maintain a relatively steady baseline for hazard reduction.
Which Periods Were Most Destructive?
2015-2020 saw the most area burnt in any 5-year period, driven by the catastrophic Black Summer fires (2019-2020). The 2000-2004 period ranks second due to severe drought conditions.
When During the Year Do Fires Occur?
Summer and early autumn (December-March) see the highest fire activity. The 2019-2020 season broke patterns with unprecedented late-spring activity.
Which Areas Experience the Most Fires?
Fires concentrate in regions combining dense bushland, dry conditions, and proximity to populated areas. The Blue Mountains and Central Coast are among the most fire-prone.
How Much Land Burns Each Year?
The 2019-2020 Black Summer fires burnt over 5 million hectares, dwarfing all previous years. Prescribed burns typically clear 200,000-400,000 hectares annually for fuel reduction.
When Do Mega-Fires Happen?
Only 87 fires since 1970 have exceeded 50,000 hectares. Most occur in summer (Dec-Feb) when temperatures peak and fuel is driest. The worst fires have exhibited extreme behaviors including fire tornadoes (2003), 60-meter flame heights (2003), and runs exceeding 80 kilometers in a single day (2019).
What Were the Largest Fires Ever Recorded?
The top 10 fires by area reveal catastrophic human impacts. Dot size reflects combined severity from casualties, homes destroyed, area, and injuries. Nearly all sparked by lightning in remote bushland during extreme drought.
Data Sources & Disclaimer
This dashboard is built for educational purposes to explore patterns in NSW fire history. Every effort has been made to research and verify information from official sources, historical records, and inquiries. However, it should not be considered a definitive historical record.
Data Source: NSW DPIE Fire History - Wildfires and Prescribed Burns dataset. Limitations: Historical records vary in accuracy (especially pre-1990s), fire boundaries are approximations, casualty data compiled from multiple sources may be incomplete, and merged fires complicate individual attribution. This dashboard illuminates general trends, not forensic detail.
Acknowledgments: Several visualizations were inspired by Salsa Digital's History of Bushfires in NSW.