Nevertheless , damage to surrounding human habitations and native fauna can be extensive and occasionally catastrophic . The 2003 Canberra bushfires severely affected almost 70 % of the Australian Capital Territory ’s pasture , forests ( pine plantations ) and nature parks . After burning for a week through the Brindabella Ranges above Canberra , the fires entered the suburbs of the city on 18 January 2003 . Four people died and more than 500 homes were destroyed or severely damaged . The Victorian Black Saturday bushfires were particularly intense in parts of the Victorian Highcountry and destroyed several towns , including Kinglake and Marysville . The fires killed 173 people , Australia 's highest ever loss of life from a bushfire . Statewide , the fires affected 78 townships and destroyed over 2,030 houses , 3,500 structures
2003 Canberra bushfires
2003 Canberra bushfires
Australian Alps