The Sir Ivan fire was caused by a lightning strike on 11 February, and burned through approximately 55,000 hectares in the Warrambungle Shire; much of it in the catastrophic conditions that prevailed on the following day.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service reported that the fire damaged approximately 5,700 kilometres of fencing, and killed 2,000 sheep, 56 cattle, 90 goats, 26 dogs and cats, 36 poultry and three alpacas. The fire destroyed 35 homes, one church, one community hall and 131 outbuildings. A further 11 homes and 42 outbuildings were damaged.
NSW Rural Fire Service - Sir Ivan Fire - Simon Archer
"I hope I never stand in from of a fire like that again...the only reason I knew the truck hadn't burnt to the ground was that water was still coming out of the hose"
This except is taken from a New South Wales Rural Fire Service resource that captures volunteer stories from the Sir Ivan Fire. Despite some of the worst fire conditions ever recorded in New South Wales, firefighters and the community saved 80 homes and 125 outbuildings.
Sir Ivan Fire - Nine News coverage
"A catastrophic combination and a state in uncharted territory..."