Specialist fire investigators continue to investigate a fire which destroyed 16 homes and damaged a further 23 on the Central Coast last week.
Strike Force Inola was established by Brisbane Water Police District on 6 December 2025 to investigate the Koolewong bushfires.
The strike force is supported by the State Crime Command's Arson Squad, Forensic Evidence Technical Support Command, and specialists from the NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW.
The investigation is being conducted on behalf of the State Coroner and aims to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
To date (Wednesday 10 December 2025), investigators have determined while the fire is likely to have originated in bushland on Nimbin Avenue, the cause remains undetermined at this stage; however, forensic examinations at the point of origin have not identified any evidence suggesting the use of ignitable liquids or a deliberate act.
Examinations also indicate the likely cause of a fire near Koolewong Railway Station was a 'spot fire' from the original fire in bushland on Nimbin Avenue.
Scene examinations of affected properties within the fire zone have been completed and the area is no longer an active crime scene.
Investigators continue to collect and review CCTV footage, recordings, and conduct inquiries with affected homeowners and witnesses.
As part of those inquiries, a secure community portal has been established for members of the public to upload any relevant footage.
If you have footage that may assist, please upload it directly via the Evidence Request portal: https://nswpf.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/koolewongbushfire?fbclid=IwY2xjawOllmxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaajBNSXJCY2VVQVZwMXNJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs2XiyTi4FF9DafVKSuiI-o-gevmqWdTVN9l_URwVCKI3CXfL7CcV4hZgUVj_aem_8wBQojeeTBkelgrUMesN-Q
