On Saturday, October 4, a grassfire in Dalgety swiftly spread across approximately 150 hectares of land after a controlled permit burn escaped its boundaries. The incident, reported by the landowner via a triple zero call at around 2:02pm, prompted an immediate response from multiple local brigades.
PHOTO: Cured grasses across the region are presenting a significant risk CREDIT: Cooma RFS
According to Inspector Langdon Gould of the NSW Rural Fire Service Snowy Monaro District, teams from Dalgety, Brothers, Numbla Vale, Berridale, Cooma, and Nimmitabel were dispatched to the scene. “Even under very moderate conditions on that day, the fire spread rapidly through adjoining grasslands,” stated Gould. The coordinated efforts of these brigades resulted in the fire being contained after approximately four hours, with crews remaining on site for an additional two hours to extinguish any hot spots.
PHOTO: The fire ground at Dalgety following the escaped permit burn on Saturday, October 4, 2025 CREDIT: Dalgety RFS
Inspector Gould emphasised the precarious nature of the current conditions, highlighting the heightened risk associated with areas of cured grasses. “It is a timely reminder that in areas of cured grasses, volatility exists, and how readily fires can spread out of control.
Those looking to obtain a permit must ensure that they are properly planned, and adequately resourced,” he said.
As a precaution, the NSW RFS is urging the community to exercise caution with all outdoor fires, which have become mandatory for most types of fires barring small recreational or cooking fires since October 1.
Gould further highlighted the potential fire hazards posed by machinery and hot works in grassy areas, recommending vigilance in activities such as mowing, vehicle operations, grinding, and welding. “We request everyone’s assistance to keep the community safe from fire over these times,” he urged.
Current conditions are expected to persist until significant rainfall occurs, although at this time, no forecasts are available to predict when this relief might come.