How much of a threat are bush fires?

Bush fires are a constant threat in country areas (mainly in summer), which are exacerbated by the drought (some are started deliberately). They often threaten country towns and occasionally major cities, and deaths among fire-fighters and homeowners are frequent (some people needlessly lose their lives because they refuse to abandon their homes).

   Lighting fires in a bush fire zone is strictly forbidden; even where it’s permitted, you must ensure that every spark is extinguished before leaving and must never throw cigarette butts out of car windows. In February 2009, bush fires in Victoria left 209 people dead – the most devastating fires ever and the worst natural disaster in Australia's history. Whole communities were wiped out and thousands more left homeless. The fires followed a heat wave, during which temperatures reached records of over 45ºC (113ºF) in both Adelaide and Melbourne.

For more information see Living and Working in Australia by David Hampshire