Multiple bushfires have been reported in Namadgi National Park, located southwest of Canberra.
Firefighting operations commenced on Saturday evening, January 3, in response to two separate ignitions near Cotter Hut and an additional fire near Bendora Dam.
Response Efforts
Firefighting aircraft and remote area fire teams are currently deployed to contain the blazes. An Emergency Services Agency (ESA) spokesperson confirmed there is no immediate threat to human life or property.
Community members in the vicinity may observe smoke and helicopter activity for the next 24 hours. Residents are advised to stay informed regarding the situation.
Weather Conditions
The cause of the fires has not yet been determined. These incidents occurred as a stormfront moved across southeastern New South Wales and the southern Australian Capital Territory. The State Emergency Service (SES) has issued warnings concerning potential lightning strikes and hail.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reported a moist and relatively unstable airmass over the inland southeast of NSW, which is facilitating the repeated development of showers and thunderstorms. These systems are moving along a weak trough, increasing the localized risk of heavy rainfall.
Stronger storms within this front may also produce large hail. Severe thunderstorms are anticipated to deliver heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash flooding, and large hailstones across the warning area over the coming hours. The NSW SES stated it would monitor the situation and update warnings as necessary.