| Chatsbury / Bungonia bushfires | |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, Australia |
| Coordinates | 34°32′57″S 149°49′02″E / 34.54917°S 149.81722°E |
| Statistics[1] | |
| Date(s) | 5 to 14 March 1965 |
| Burned area | 250,000 hectares (620,000 acres) |
| Land use |
|
| Buildings destroyed | 59 |
| Deaths | 3 |
The Chatsbury/Bungonia bushfires of 1965 was a series of bushfires that burned from 5 to 14 March 1965 in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, Australia. The fires destroyed the villages of Tallong, Wingello, and most of the surrounding orchards.[2]
The fire is thought to be ignited by a spark from a Chatsbury Station angle grinder. It quickly spread and covered 250,000 hectares (620,000 acres) and destroyed the areas' livestock. It is thought to be the greatest disaster in the area.[1]
Three people were killed. 28 homes were destroyed in Tallong, 31 in Wingello. The fire was eventually stopped (or burnt out) near Nowra on the NSW South Coast.[3]
References
- ^ a b Gordon, Chris (4 March 2015). "Remembering the 1965 Chatsbury-Bungonia Fire". Goulburn Post. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
- ^ "History: 1950-1969: The growth of local brigades". NSW Rural Fire Service. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
- ^ "History: 1950-1969: The growth of local brigades". NSW Rural Fire Service. Retrieved 6 October 2015.