Defence has launched a commission of inquiry to determine how a training exercise started a major fire in the NSW Blue Mountains.
Defence force chief General David Hurley said it would centre on the fire at the Marrangaroo Training Area near Lithgow on October 16.
A NSW Rural Fire Service investigation determined that a Defence explosives training exercise caused the State Mine Fire near Lithgow.
Retired Sydney judge John O'Meally has been appointed president of the commission of inquiry. Other members will be Brigadier Jane Spalding and Air Commodore David Steele.
Three Australian Defence Force legal officers have been appointed as counsel assisting the inquiry.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
They will investigate how the fire started, conditions at the time and the adequacy of Defence orders, instructions and procedures.
Defence said the aim was to help prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
No hearing schedule has yet been announced. However, hearings will be conducted in public as far as possible, Defence said.
The State Mine Fire burned through 50,000 hectares and destroyed at least three homes.
