The final Stage 2 public hearings of the NSW Bushfires Coronial Inquiry took place from 15 to 26 May 2023. The topic, one of several systemic issues identified from the Stage 1 hearings, was Backburning Operations – planning and execution.
The hearings mainly considered two backburns that were of high consequence and public interest – near Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains on 14 December 2019 (related to the Gospers Mountain Fire) and near Yatte Yattah on the South Coast on 30 December 2019 (related to the Currowan fire).
The Coronial Inquiry previously heard that the Mount Wilson backburn escaped containment to spread over a large area and cause considerable damage, including to 100 homes. The level to which the backburn at Yatte Yattah contributed to the tragic bushfire impacts around Conjola Park and surrounds is less clear.
The Coroner heard summaries of these events and questions to be investigated from Counsel Assisting, then witnesses from the Rural Fire Service (mainly), one witness from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (re. Mt Wilson) and a commissioned Expert Witness (re. both events).
The hearings involved questioning on specific events, to determine what actually happened, as well as on the planning and execution of these backburns. At times there was conflicting evidence and a lack of records to assist resolution. The Expert Witness provided his assessment of events and decisions, “based on the brief of evidence”, and his recommendations.
All hearings can be viewed on the Coroner’s youtube channel. Mount Wilson was heard on coronial Days 66 to 70, and Currowan on Days 71-. Media coverage was mainly by the ABC electronic and online, and generally limited to reporting what was heard in the hearings, as appropriate for an ongoing inquiry. Links to online stories appear below.
Closing submissions on Stage 1 and 2 hearings are scheduled for 7-11 August 2023, followed by the delivery of findings at an as yet unspecified date.
Media coverage
- RFS commander defends decision to start Black Summer back-burn that led to destruction of 100 homes
- Black Summer inquest hears air attack supervisor raised back-burn concerns with RFS
- RFS captain says she was given no ‘meaningful input’ into burn that led to 100 homes being razed
- Local RFS captain feared a backburn at Mt Wilson could escape into the Grose Valley
- Black Summer bushfire inquest hears back-burn was needed to contain Currowan blaze
- Black Summer bushfire inquiry hears of need for defensive strategy when back-burns unviable
IBG comment
- See IBG’s earlier post (below) on the NSW Bushfires Coronial Inquiry.
- IBG’s 2020 report Reducing the Costs and Impacts of Bushfires and Fire Case Studies examined backburning issues in detail.
- A lot of attention has been given to backburning, but it is one method of many used to manage wildfires, especially large and long-running fires. IBG would like to see a more holistic approach and review of strategies for large fires.
Independent Bushfire Group 