Premier Barry O'Farrell is refusing to speculate on the cause of the State Mine fire near Lithgow which the Australian Defence Force is considering whether it accidentally sparked the blaze during a training operation on Thursday.
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Mr O'Farrell was asked about the incident on Saturday during a press conference at Catherine Hill Bay, south of Newcastle, shortly after the ADF released a statement confirming the fire was under investigation.
Mr O'Farrell said he had received information from the Rural Fire Service that the fire started on defence land.
"Let's get the facts. I deal in facts," Mr O'Farrell said.
The ADF is investigating whether an explosives training operation near Lithgow sparked the State Mine fire on Thursday.
A statement was released by the ADF at 11:30am on Saturday.
It says the ADF is questioning whether an explosives training activity sparked the blaze which has caused widespread damage, including the near-destruction of the Zig Zag Railway.
"Defence today confirmed that it is investigating the circumstances of the State Mine Fire near Lithgow,New South Wales," the statement read.
"The fire started on 16 October, the same day that Defence personnel were conducting an explosive ordnance training activity at Marangaroo Training Area. Defence is investigating if the two events are linked.
"The primary concern at this stage is for the safety of the communities in the vicinity of the fire, then the ongoing investigation which will review both the incident and Defence procedures.
"Our thoughts are with those who have lost property or whose property is threatened by these devastating fires.
"Defence will work with the NSW Rural Fire Service to investigate the incident and Defence procedures, once the fire has been extinguished."