Just after 11am on 7 February 1967 a fierce fire storm swept across southern Tasmania. The day was to become known as 'Black Tuesday'. At the time it caused the highest number of casualties Australia has ever had in one day, 62 people lost their lives. Also, 80,000 animals perished, 900 people were injured and over 1,400 homes and dwellings were burned to the ground. In a terrifying five-hour period the bush fire came within 2kms of the centre of Hobart, while burning 264,270 hectares within a 150km radius of the city.