3 January 2026

Bushfires spark up in Namadgi National Park

| By Kim Treasure
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Waterbombing helicopter

A waterbombing helicopter in action at Pialligo. Photo: File.

Multiple bushfires have started in the Namadgi National Park, southwest of Canberra.

Firefighters on Saturday evening (3 January) were responding to two ignitions near Cotter Hut, and one near Bendora Dam.

Firefighting aircraft, and remote area fire teams are working to contain the fires.

An ESA spokesperson said there was no immediate threat to life or property.

Community members may see smoke, and helicopters operating in the area for the next 24 hours.

Residents of the area are being asked to stay informed.

If your life is at risk, call triple-zero.

READ ALSO Tragic end to 2025 with drowning death and 19 coastal incidents

It’s not yet known what started the blazes but advice about the bushfires came as a stormfront moved through south eastern NSW and the southern ACT, with the State Emergency Service warning of lightning strikes and hail.

“The Bureau of Meteorology advises a moist and relatively unstable airmass is in place over the inland southeast of NSW, with showers and thunderstorms repeatedly developing and moving along a weak trough in the area leading to a localised heavy rainfall risk,” a spokesperson said.

“Stronger storms may also produce some large hail.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.

“This event may change quickly. NSW SES will monitor the situation and update warnings if the situation changes.”

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While I have no complain about the legal response to the person who so badly treated a dog – no bail – it does make me wonder about all the times we read about women who have suffered severely from domestic violence and their abusers are firstly released on bail and if eventually found guilty, receive relatively mild sentences. Sue Burn

They usually start up in that area by an ADF helicopter carrying an ESA bigwig needing a toilet break, then they call it in 40 minutes after it’s started.

That’s a bit low.

Not as low as refusing to compensate the victims who lost their homes in that fire.

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