2001 - 2002, October - January, Eastern and Central NSW bushfire

• Area Burnt: 733,342 Ha = 7333 square kms, 4196 km perimeter.
• Estimated insurance damage bill of approximately $75,000,000 comprising approximately 3000 claims.
• Estimated cost of operations for NSW agencies approximately $106,000,000.
• Estimated 20,000 properties saved.
• No loss of life or serious injury to members of the public or emergency personnel.

Seven "Bushfire Emergencies" were declared between 29 October to 9 November, 2001 in the areas of Cessnock, Gosford, Gloucester, Kempsey, Wyong, Greater Taree and Singleton.

On December 3 a second spate of five "Bushfire Emergencies" commenced with a declaration in the Blue Mountains Rural Fire District. Most of the fires are thought to have been started by lightning strikes from a severe dry thunderstorm.   The same storm reached the coastal areas north of Sydney with heavy rain and hail accompanied by very strong winds causing significant storm damage. Major fires occurred in Blue Mountains/Lithgow, Hawkesbury, Narromine, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee and Cabonne over the 21 days up to 24 December 2001.

On 24 December, 2001, due to the increased fire activity, the proximity to Sydney, the threat to residential property and the apparently deliberately lit fires there was significant media and public interest. By the 25 December, 2001 26 "Bushfire Emergency" declarations had been made, incorporating 48 local government areas. Some districts had several declarations due to new fire outbreaks.

The NSW RFS Commissioner announced 23 days later the significant "emergency" was over. (16 January, 2002)