Defence blamed for sparking two bushfires
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/16/2467425.htm
Posted Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:43am AEDT
Updated Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:17pm AEDT
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is being blamed for sparking two bushfires during training exercises in New South Wales.
About 400 hectares have been burnt out at Singleton after ADF fire crews were unable to control a fire sparked by live firing.
The Rural Fire Services says it has been unable to attack the fire properly because of unexploded ordinance.
Meanwhile, munitions from an RAAF exercise have also been blamed for igniting at fire at Evans Head on the NSW north coast.
About 350 hectares of the Bundjalung National Park were burnt out, forcing the evacuation of campers yesterday afternoon.
No houses or private property are threatened at this stage.
Superintendent Michael Brett says the fire started during an RAAF training exercise.
"It started on the actual bombing range," he said.
"The RAAF were live firing out there yesterday afternoon and unfortunately one of their rounds has actually left the range and subsequently caused the fire, which has subsequently spread."
Superintendent Brett says extra aircraft will be called in today as back-burning operations continue.
The ADF says it is investigating both claims.