On Sunday afternoon, a fire determined to be suspicious erupted at Mount Gladstone near Cooma, prompting a swift response from emergency services. According to Inspector Langdon Gould of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Snowy Monaro District (NSWRFS-SMD), the blaze was reported at approximately 3 pm on March 16, 2025. The Cooma Rural Fire Brigade, alongside Fire Rescue New South Wales, promptly attended the scene.
PHOTO: The fire ground was adjacent to the Mount Gladstone mountain bike trails CREDIT: Cooma RFS.
Upon their arrival, crews encountered a fire covering an area of approximately 30 by 20 meters. Despite the windy conditions, the teams effectively contained the fire to a small area, showcasing the critical importance of rapid intervention. Inspector Gould highlighted the urgency of their response: “Crews quickly contained the fire to a small area, their prompt response, in what was windy conditions, highlighted the importance of quick containment.”
“The fire occurred adjacent to the mountain bike tracks and has been determined as suspicious with RFS fire investigation and police attending the scene,” Inspector Gould stated.
PHOTO: Swift work by crews avoided what could have been a catastrophic fire in the prevailing conditions CREDIT: Cooma RFS.
This incident came on a weekend with a ban already in place on fire permits in the Snowy Monaro District due to extreme heat and high wind ratings. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
NSW Police confirmed their involvement, with a spokesperson noting, “I can confirm RFS reported the matter to Police and NSW police are investigating. No structures were damaged, or people injured as a result of the fire.”