The old ways of dealing with the fire problem are no longer valid, especially in the context of a changing climate and changes to the way we live with fire in the environment, particularly in our wonderful remote areas of wilderness. After all, the fires were here long before we chose to live amongst their territory, and they are not going away. Quite the opposite.
Natural hazards raise considerable uncertainty and anxiety, and providing the community with information that is designed to instil specific preparation and response behaviours is important for emergency services. Hazard Note 57 details examples of principles to follow to maximise comprehension of warning messages.
Above normal fire potential remains across large parts of southern Australia. Rain in areas of eastern Australia during spring, while welcome, was not enough to recover from the long term dry conditions. Wet conditions currently being experienced across coastal New South Wales will help, but it will not take long once heat and dry conditions return for vegetation to dry out.
