Wildfires in Australia today
So far in 2026, 17,473,370 hectares have burned in Australia — 50% below the 20-year average. Right now 1 wildfire is burning.
17,473,370 hectares so far this year, 50% below the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, Australia ranks 16th for area burned relative to its average.
Named fires in New South Wales, Australia
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
Fire danger today
Official rating from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Source: NSW Rural Fire Service
Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
See all fires in New South Wales →We email you when satellites detect new fire in the area. Free, no account.
Set up my alert →About wildfires in New South Wales
New South Wales is Australia's most populous state and one of its most fire-prone. Bushland runs right up to the edges of Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and dozens of coastal towns, so even a moderate fire can threaten homes within hours.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is the lead agency for bushfires across the state and issues the official warnings (Advice, Watch and Act, Emergency Warning). This map shows every fire hotspot detected by NASA satellites in New South Wales, together with the named fires we track and their latest updates.
Today across Australia
Three fires are still burning in Australia, covering some 950 hectares between them. The biggest by far is near Dajarra, at around 500 hectares. Eight more broke out over the past week.
It is a quiet year. Australia has lost 17,369,357 hectares so far, well below its usual 34,770,448 hectares—the 16th worst figure among the 26 countries Copernicus tracks.
Around Dajarra it is hot and dry, with a gentle wind and no rain in sight over the next 48 hours.
Updated 19 Oct
New South Wales wildfire season
The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October to 31 March, and many councils start it earlier when conditions are dry. The north of the state tends to burn first, in late winter and spring, while the south and the ranges peak in December to February.
The most dangerous days combine heat, low humidity and strong north-westerly winds, often followed by a southerly change that swings the fire front.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2019-20 Black Summer
More than 5 million hectares burned in New South Wales, 26 people died in the state and more than 2,400 homes were destroyed. The Gospers Mountain fire alone burned around half a million hectares.
- 2013 Blue Mountains fires
October fires destroyed close to 200 homes in Winmalee, Yellow Rock and nearby suburbs, an early-season reminder that spring can be as dangerous as summer.
- 1994 Eastern Seaboard fires
Fires in January 1994 burned into Sydney's suburbs and the Royal National Park; four people died and around 200 homes were lost.
Main causes & risk factors
- Eucalypt forest and bushland right next to suburbs and towns
- Hot, dry north-westerly winds followed by sudden southerly changes
- Drought years, which dry out forests that rarely burn
- Dry lightning in the ranges and the far west
Safety & preparedness
- Check the Fire Danger Rating and the official NSW RFS warnings every day in season
- Have a written bushfire survival plan and decide early whether you will leave
- On Catastrophic days, leave high-risk areas the night before or early in the morning
- Never drive into smoke or flames
Affiliate links — at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
When is bushfire season in New South Wales?
The Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October to 31 March, often starting earlier in dry years. The north burns first in spring; the south peaks from December to February.
Who issues bushfire warnings in NSW?
The NSW Rural Fire Service. Its warning levels are Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warning, the national Australian Warning System.
How bad was the Black Summer in NSW?
More than 5 million hectares burned in the state, 26 people died and more than 2,400 homes were destroyed.
Where does this map's data come from?
Fire hotspots come from NASA's FIRMS satellites, which detect active fires several times a day. Named fires add official information when it is available.