TO SAVE FORESTS AND LIVES WE NEED TO DESTROY UNTRUE BUSHFIRE MYTHS
Fuel reduction by controlled burning was first officially sanctioned by the Stretton Royal Commission following the 1939 Black Friday bushfire that killed 71 people. Then the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (VBRC) recommended at least 5% of the forest be fuel reduced each year, following the 2009 bushfire that killed 179 people. These Royal Commissions with wide terms of reference gathered factual evidence and recommended practical solutions to mitigate future disasters, but unfortunately implementation has been lacking.
Following the 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires both the Victorian Inspector General for Emergency Management Inquiry and Australian Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements ignored vital evidence, failed to present all the facts and missed opportunities to recommend practical improvements, particularly on mitigating bushfires.
The focus of both these ‘inquiries’ was on managing disasters rather than preventing disasters. Both ‘enquiries’ effectively deflected accountability away from ineffective policy and practise. Key submissions that identified shortcomings and offered practical solutions were largely ignored. An opportunity to learn from Western Australia’s world best practise fire mitigation was lost.
Both ‘inquiries’ did not undertake a forensic examination of bushfire mitigation, promptness of fire
detection and efficiency and effectiveness of initial attack. Key evidence from experts in fire behaviour, land management and effective integration of fuel reduction and fire suppression strategies was largely ignored.
This report delves into some of the shortcomings and dispels some myths.
Above is background to the well-researched paper on the myths associated with bushfire. A couple of comments:
Above is background to the well-researched paper on the myths associated with bushfire. A couple of comments:1. Reasonable to question whether or not any of the issues mentioned in this paper contributed to the extent and/or duration involved in controlling the Mount Cole fire.
2. Concerning the efficacy of reports prepared by the Victorian Inspector General for Emergency Management and Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.
The question needs to be considered: who is the Victorian Inspector General for Emergency Management working to satisfy, the Minister or address real needs in the community with his report into the 2019-20 Black Summer fires? Another question, does the Inspector General possess the knowledge and personal experience required to review bushfire activity in Victoria?
And on the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, at least two judges: Stretton and Teague chaired Royal Commissions into bushfire in Victoria. With respect, a former RAAF “fast jet” pilot chaired the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.