Five years on from Black Summer – a time to reflect

More than 5.5 million hectares burned across NSW claiming 26 lives and destroying more than 2,400 homes.

The loss caused by the catastrophic event was felt across our emergency services, communities and globally.

For many, the grief of that summer continues to be felt today.

We thank the thousands of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members, emergency service personnel as well as interstate and international partners who bravely placed themselves in danger to fight these fires and protect our state.

We thank the many people who made donations and volunteered to help in any way they could during this time.

On this anniversary we stand with the communities affected and reassert our commitment to support them as they continue to heal and build back.