EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The findings of the investigations into houses that were affected by the NSW bushfire in 2001-2 at Warrimoo, Valley Heights and Yellow Rock in the eastern region of the Lower Blue Mountains are summarised as follows: (a) The cause of houses destroyed by bushfires was due to fire gaining entry into the house, and if left to develop would eventually consume the entire house. (b) The main cause of fire entry appeared to be from burning debris through inadvertent openings (usually around the ceiling construction or near the base of walls) or through the breaking of glazing (usually on windows that confronted the advancing fire). (c) Where the fire source was sufficiently close to the building due to proximity to dense vegetation, the heat and flames may ignite elements of external construction (eg posts, decks). The likelihood of fire gaining entry into the building depended upon the size of the fire source, its proximity to the building and in particular to inadvertent openings or glazing. As with spot fires from firebrands, many houses were saved by extinguishing these small fires after the fire front had passed. (d) The intensity and duration of the fire front itself did not appear to be the major cause o