High temperatures combined with severe wind helped a fire get out of control at Engadine on 9 October 2002. The day was labelled a total fire ban day, however fire broke out and quickly spread causing significant damage to homes in Engadine. Other areas affected by fires included Llandilo, Richmond and Windsor-Castlereagh, Bilpin and Narrabri.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2002 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $43 million.