A grass fire in Dalgety has been successfully contained after rapidly spreading across 64 hectares of land today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service Snowy Monaro District (NSW RFS SMD) received a call regarding the blaze at 11:42 am. Crews from Dalgety, Berridale, and Rocky Plain quickly responded to the fire, assisted by an RFS bulk water appliance and heavy machinery.
PHOTO: The fire burned rapidly as a result of African love grass in the landscape CREDITS: Dalgety RFS
Inspector Langdon Gould from the NSW RFS SMD provided insights into the incident. “The fire started in African love grass and was a result of a landowner burning off some cardboard waste. It should be noted that the fire went through 64 hectares quite rapidly, although the weather on the day was benign with little to no wind,” Inspector Gould explained.
PHOTO: Inspector Gould is reminding the public of the dangers African love grass present in cured states.
This incident serves as a significant reminder of the dangers associated with fires in areas covered with cured African love grass. Gould cautioned, “This should be a clear example to all landowners about the volatility of fire when introduced into love grass country, in its current cured state. We urge all of the community to take note of the need to ensure that no ignition sources are introduced into African love grass, as it is evident it can rapidly spread.”
The fire was brought under control by 2:45pm, approximately three hours after it began. The final fire fighting crews left the scene at 5 pm, following a brief rain shower that fell on the fire ground.
Inspector Gould advised crews will return tomorrow morning (Wednesday, May 14) to patrol the burned area and ensure any remaining hotspots are fully extinguished.