A fire that burned in rugged terrain near Otford on Thursday was likely caused by a campfire, prompting a warning from authorities about the danger posed by drier-than-usual conditions.
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Four NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews and three National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) units were called in to fight the fire, off the Coast Track in the Royal National Park, about 4.15pm.
Firefighters had to access the fire, which was fanned by southerly winds, on foot.
The two-hectare fire was contained by about 10pm, although a number of crews remained on scene throughout Friday to ensure it didn’t reignite.
Ground teams were assisted by a NPWS helicopter.
Illawarra RFS district manager Superintendent Greg Wardle said the fire was believed to have been started by a campfire.
“Normally at this time of year, a fire at that time of the night wouldn't grow all that significantly. It would have been a lot smaller, had it got away from being a campfire at all,” Superintendent Wardle said.
“The fact is it’s dry and it’s windy, and people need to take extra caution with these fires.”
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
