Defence statement regarding State Mine Fire near Lithgow, NSW

Defence is aware the NSW Rural Fire Service is of the view the cause of the State Mine Fire near Lithgow was as a result of a Defence live ordnance exercise at Marangaroo Training Area.

As Defence stated in a media release on Saturday 19 October 2013, Defence personnel were conducting an explosive ordnance training activity at Marangaroo on 16 October, the same day the State Mine Fire started.

Defence continues to cooperate fully with NSW authorities investigating the State Mine Fire including NSW Police Force investigators who will prepare a report for the Coroner outlining the full circumstances surrounding the fire.

Defence is also conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this explosive ordnance training activity.

Our thoughts are with everyone currently affected by the fires burning in NSW, particularly those who have had properties lost or damaged in the State Mine Fire.