Fire on the Limestone Plains/Bush Fires/The Christmas Bushfires of 2001

On Christmas Eve 2001 a series of fires threatened central Canberra. Bushfire outbreaks occurred at Huntly, Stromlo, Bruce Ridge, Red Hill, Oaks Estate and Wanniassa Hills.

The Huntly fire was the first significant fire reported on the 24th December 2001, (at 1331 hours by the One Tree Fire Tower). The point of origin was alongside the "Huntly" property on the Uriarra Road (GR805928M). This fire burnt out around 64 hectares, with a perimeter of 4.5 km.

The Stromlo fire was reported at 1335 hours by Coree Fire Tower. The point of origin was alongside the "Kallenia Rivers" property on the Coppins Crossing Road (GR845904M), a later ignition in Bluetts Pines had the two separate fires join as one. The fire reached the pine plantation at Greenhills, and spotted across the Tuggeranong Parkway, and burnt across Adelaide Avenue till it reached the Royal Australian Mint in Deakin. This fire burnt out around 1221 hectares, with a perimeter of 29.6 km.