The fires killed six people, approximately 57,000 farm animals, farmers' crops, and destroyed nearly 10,200 kilometres (6,300 mi) of fencing.

[5]: 339–345 The Australian Bureau of Statistics attributed the extent of the fires to "exceptionally heavy rainfall in the previous two years".

[7] In 2011, retired Australian government scientist David Packham warned that "we are in for one big season" that could repeat the 1974 summer fires.

[5]: 341  Lost crops, and widespread damage to infrastructure, including communications, roads and railways.

The fire reached Barkly Tableland, Victoria River district, near Newcastle Waters.