2005–06 Australian bushfire season

A moderately extensive bushfire season, particularly in western Victoria where fires were most prominent, occurred in mid-late January 2006 as conditions persisted across the state.

Timeline

January 2006 Bushfires in Victoria were prominent in mid-late January 2006 as conditions permitted across the state. With the loss of 4 lives and 57 homes. On Australia Day, a CFA volunteer died in the Victorian fires. Arsonists were charged with lighting fires that spread through western Victoria in late January. Two people died in The Grampians when their car was overcome by the Mount Lubra bushfire.

Over the month a total of 500 fires were recorded in Victoria with 359 farm buildings destroyed, stock losses of 64,000 and of private and public land burned out.

Fires of note

State Start date Deaths Injuries Houses lost Area (ha) Local govt. Impacted communities & destruction Duration Ref. VIC 31 December 2005 2 11 Northern GrampiansStawell Vineyards, orchards, flower farms and 68 non-residential structures destroyed 1,600 head of livestock perish NSW 1 January 2006 1 10 JuneeBethungra, Illabo & Junee 4 shearing sheds, many other non-residential structures and vehicles destroyed 21,000 head of livestock perish 2 days 1 3 GosfordWoy Woy, Umina Beach & Phegans Bay A St John's Ambulance volunteer suffers a heart attack and perishes 7 vehicles, 3 non-residential structures and a RFS station destroyed 2 days VIC 19 January 2006 2 40 Northern GrampiansMoyston, Pornonal, Dunkeld, Mafeking, Willaura & Halls Gap Two civilians perish 73 non-residential structures and several dozen vehicles destroyed 65,000 head of livestock perish 32 days VIC 22 January 2006 5 Greater GeelongAnakie A hall, 31 non-residential structures and 13 vehicles destroyed 1,000 head of livestock perish VIC 23 January 2006 1 2 Murrindindinear Yea A CFA volunteer perishes Several non-residential structures destroyed VIC 17 February 2006 1 IndigoBarnawartha A CFA volunteer perishes VIC 13 March 2006 6 PyreneesSnake Valley, Scarsdale & Smythesdale 20 vehicles destroyed 8 days

References