Jail Break Inn Fire
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The Jail Break Inn Fire was started by a cigarette butt near the Jail Break Inn 8 km west of Junee, New South Wales Australia on New Years Day 2006. The fire was reported around mid afternoon but quickly spread due to temperatures into the mid to high 40's (°C), low humidity and gusty westerly winds. The fire closed Olympic Highway and the Southern Railway line. Seven houses were destroyed, and the Junee Round House was damaged by the fire. The Monte Cristo Homestead was threatened by the fire but was saved by a firefighting helicopter water bomber. By nightfall the fire had reached Illabo and Ulandra Nature Reserve.
- 300 km² of farmland burnt.
- Stock losses were estimated to be over 20,000
- A farmer received 3rd degree burns to 60% of his body while trying to fight the fire.
