The Victorian Alpine Fires - January to March 2003

2002 - 2003 fire season

The 'Victorian Alpine Fires January-March 2003' document provides a summary of the Eastern Victorian fires and the climatic conditions that preceded them. Also included is a daily account of the fires that started on 8 January 2003 and the firefighting efforts that occurred over the following 59 days before the fires were declared contained on 7 March 2003.

Victorian Alpine Fires 2002-03 [PDF File - 2.1 MB]

Victorian Alpine Fires 2002-03 Appendices [PDF File - 1.1 MB]

Figures 1 - 37

To view a larger version of Figures 1 - 37, click on the links below.

Figure 1	Cumulative number of forest fires for the 1982 / 83 and 2002 / 03 fires seasons compared with the 20 year average
Figure 2a	Australian Rainfall deciles for 1 March to 28 February for 1982 / 83
Figure 2b	Australian Rainfall deciles for 1 March to 28 February for 2002 / 03
Figure 3a	Australian Rainfall deciles for 1 December to 28 February for 1982 / 83
Figure 3b	Australian Rainfall deciles for 1 December to 28 February for 2002 / 03
Figure 4	The Victorian fire situation as at 1850 hrs on 8 January 2003
Figure 5	Firefighter safety pamphlet
Figure 6	Pamphlet on dehydration
Figure 7	Interim reporting arrangements for DEPI as at 8 January 2003
Figure 8	Interim reporting arrangements for DPI as at 8 January 2003
Figure 10	Photo: A track closure sign erected by Parks Victoria some weeks after the alpine fires
Figure 11	Location of main fires in North East on 13 January 2003
Figure 12	Detailed containment strategy showing possible control lines as at 27 January 2003
Figure 13	New Sectors as at 29 January 2003 for the three Fire Complexes
Figure 14	Predicted possible fire extent prepared by Dr K. Tolhurst on 30 January 2003
Figure 15	Deployment of interstate and overseas resources on 1 February 2003
Figure 17	Overview map of the main fire on 3 February 2003. The red sections indicate the most active fire edge
Figure 18	Strategic Fire Plan prepared at 0900 hrs on 2 February 2003
Figure 19	Photo: An example of some outstanding bulldozer line rehabilitation works on the Tawonga Gap fire
Figure 20	Photo: Burnt Federation Hut (RHS), with undamaged toilet block on LHS, Mt Feathertop
Figure 21	Deployment of interstate and overseas resources on 13 February 2003
Figure 22	Strategic Fire Plan produced on 13 February 2003
Figure 23	Deployment of interstate and overseas resources on 16 February 2003
Figure 24	Probabilities of success of strategic control lines as at 12 february 2003
Figure 25a	Photo: Light snow covering burnt forest on the Great Alpine Road, near Mt Hotham on 1 March 2003
Figure 25b	Photo: Light snow covering burnt forest on the Great Alpine Road, near Mt Hotham on 1 March 2003
Figure 26	Cumulative fire area showing growth of the alpine fire over the 59-day duration
Figure 27	Map of the progressive spread of the fire from Days 8 - 16
Figure 28	Map of the progressive spread of the fire from Days 6 - 20
Figure 29	Map of the progressive spread of the fire from Days 20 - 25
Figure 30	Map of the progressive spread of the fire from Days 25 - 49
Figure 31a	Fire Severity Map
Figure 31b	Expanded section of Figure 31a showing detail
Figure 32	A 'fire ball' captured by satellite image on 30 January 2003 in the Dargo River Catchment
Figure 33	Area burnt by land tenure and severity class for the main alpine fire
Figure 34	Photo: One of the numerous signs burnt by the 2003 alpine fires
Figure 35	Photo: Burnt bridge near Benambra, one of many such bridges either destroyed or badly damaged by the alpine fires
Figure 36	Photo: Part of burnt Yarrarabula pine plantation
Figure 37	Fire retardant aerially applied on 17 January 2003 along a narrow ridge from West peak to Mt Little Bogong