On 18 January 2003, the ACT experienced an unprecedented fire disaster. The fires caused the tragic death of four people, nearly 500 injuries treated at hospitals, the loss of 488 homes and over 90 community, educational, commercial and farm buildings as well as damage to many other homes and businesses, including rural properties and villages to the west of Canberra; and widespread destruction of physical infrastructure, forests and the environment generally. The total financial cost of the fires has been estimated at up to 1 billion dollars.
The 2003 bushfires' effect on the community of Canberra and surrounding areas was profound. It is considered one of the defining moments in Canberra's history.
The ACT Heritage Library holds many collections and publications about the fires. Other material can be found at memory institutions in the ACT and NSW. Links are made to the locations of all items.