Four people died and more than 500 homes were destroyed in a huge fire storm which struck the south-western suburbs in Canberra, Australia's national capital, on Saturday 18 January. Bush fires had been burning in the surrounding national parks for several days but the fireballs which hit Canberra on Saturday afternoon were totally unexpected.
The fire swept over the hill above the suburb of Duffy, through a major pine plantation and crossed Ecumbene Drive, causing several houses to explode. It continued down the hill, spreading through Duffy, destroying house after house despite the efforts of frantic residents. At the same time the fires swept into the suburbs of Holder, Rivett, Chapman and Kambah, causing massive destruction to property.
Three people in Duffy died and one elderly woman in the Mount Stromlo settlement close to Duffy, also died. The wonder was that more people did not die as many were rushed to hospital with burns and smoke inhalation as well as other injuries caused by falling from roofs during the fire storm.
On Sunday morning the worst was over but the dazed and bewildered residents were left counting the cost of the fires. A dense smoke haze hung over Canberra and many people were without power and telephones for several days.