from the Queanbeyan Age and General Advertiser Thursday 16 January
1862
"Bush Fires.- Large bush fire have raged around
Queanbeyan for several days past, nightly lighting the heavens by
their glare, and by day givng indications of their presence in
ascending volumes of smoke. On Tuesday night miles of bush in the
direction of Gundaroo, were enveloped in fierce flames, which were
plainly visible from the town, and seem to be advancing over the
ranges in this direction. We have heard several accounts of bush
fires lately; but none having done any injury to property, although
we shall not be surprised if tidings of disaster reach us,
originating in these extensive fires."
A severe drought occurred during 1867/68.
In 1869 the first deliberately lit fire was reported in the Duntroon area.
In 1888 there were extensive fires.
A severe drought occurred during 1902-3.
Yarralumla Fire December 1903
In the early 1900's a number of bushfire brigades were formed.
The last day of 1904 was the hottest on record. On 1 January 1905, a bushfire swept through the Wallaroo and Ginninderra areas. Heat wave conditions prevailed for a fortnight. After these fires a public meeting was called to discuss bushfire prevention and suppression and a executive committee was formed.
In November 1915 the Federal Territory Bush Fire Association was formed.
"Black Saturday" December 1918
('Canberra - History of and legends relating to the Federal Capital Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia' - John Gale)
('Canberra 1820-1913' - Lyall Gillespie)
(from 'Bushfires in Australia' by R. H. Luke & A.G. McArthur)