The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season proved to be unprecedented in many ways. Beginning before the official arrival of spring, in June, and worsening significantly from Sept. 2019 on to mid-January 2020.
The Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 were cataclysmic: a landmark in Australia’s history. They burnt more than 10 million hectares, mostly forests in southeast Australia. Many of our most distinctive, ancient and vulnerable species were worst affected.
Science is shaping how Australia can better prepare for devastating bushfire seasons with the release of comprehensive research based on the major issues of the 2019-20 Black Summer fire season.
Farming losses amounted to about 8 percent of agricultural GDP. Associate Professor Tina Bell and Chuan Huang from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences call on more support for farmers to protect their land and livelihoods.
Timber removal dramatically changes forest structure, increasing vulnerability to bushfires. And logged forests are more likely to burn out of control.
Research shows logging had little if any effect but the extent and severity were more likely due to unprecedented drought and sustained hot, windy weather.
The 2019/20 bushfire season was unprecedented in NSW, with destructive bushfires occurring across the state between August 2019 and February 2020. Tens of thousands of people were displaced by the fires, including residents, tourists and visitors to
Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre
This publication explores how the communities in East Gippsland and Wellington Shires, Australia experienced their strength and capabilities following a bushfire event that burned for 106 days before being contained.
Victorian Council of Social Service
Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre
The Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (Victoria University)
New report identifies several opportunities for change, including the need for a long-term plan for building community emergency management capability.
