Nature & Location
The Black Saturday bushfires were a series of deadly bush fires that burned around the 7th February 2009, and ended around the 14th March 2009. There was 400 fires recorded around Victoria, in extreme bushfire conditions. The bushfires affected 78 towns in Victoria; Marysville, Kinglake, Strathewen and Flowerdale were completely destroyed. Houses in Humevale, St Andrews, Callignee, Koornalla and Steels Creek were severely damaged with fatalities. It was estimated that 7562 people were displaced due to the fires. The worst hit places were Marysville and Kinglake. On the morning of 7th February, 3582 firefighters were on standby and over 5000 combated the flames. One firefighter was killed from a falling burning tree. These bushfires also resulted in the biggest loss of life from fires in history (173 dead, 414 injured). It was the 8th deadliest bush fire recorded in the world.
Geographical Process
Background temperatures reached 46 degrees Celsius, with winds reaching 100 km/hr. This was precipitated by an intense heat wave and nearly 2 months of little to no rain. A cool change hit Victoria in the early evening of the 7th February, with cooler temperatures but gale-force winds that reached 120 km/hr. A change in the wind direction caused the fires eastern flanks to turn into massive fire fronts burning with inconceivable speed and ferocity towards towns that were initially thought to be safe.
Arson, machinery, lightning and fallen power lines were confirmed causes of the fires.
The average speed of the flames was 12km/h, but in some cases they traveled 600m/30sec. The heat of the fires was capable of killing people 400m away. Spot fires (fire that start ahead of a main fire front from flying embers), were recorded 35 kilometers ahead of the main fires. Overall, the conditions the fires were in was not ideal for the firefighters who were battling the blazes, but perfect for the fires.
Out of the 5 major fires burning at the time, 4 of them spread 3 times faster than anticipated. Significant factors for the fires was the proximity to the forest fuels and the design, and location of water pumps.
Arson, machinery, lightning and fallen power lines were confirmed causes of the fires.
The average speed of the flames was 12km/h, but in some cases they traveled 600m/30sec. The heat of the fires was capable of killing people 400m away. Spot fires (fire that start ahead of a main fire front from flying embers), were recorded 35 kilometers ahead of the main fires. Overall, the conditions the fires were in was not ideal for the firefighters who were battling the blazes, but perfect for the fires.
Out of the 5 major fires burning at the time, 4 of them spread 3 times faster than anticipated. Significant factors for the fires was the proximity to the forest fuels and the design, and location of water pumps.
Impacts
173 died, 414 injured, over 2000 homes lost and more than 1400 other structures were damaged. 120 people were killed by a single fire in Kinglake. There was a massive loss of flora and fauna, RSPCA confirmed that over 1 million animals died, and survivors suffered serious burns. Catchment areas that supplied Melbourne's top 5 dams were contaminated with ash and other substances. It was found in March 2009 that smoke from the bushfires was over Antarctica at high altitudes. According to the Bushfire Royal Commission, the total cost of the bushfires was $4.4 billion. By August 2010, $1.2 billion had been spent in insurance claims, with 84% for property and 16% for cars (Insurance Council of Australia, 2013). There was also agricultural losses, with 11800 livestock, 62000 hectares of pasture and 32000 tonnes of hay and silage lost.
The importance of preparation was shown after the fires, homes that were prepared for the event of bushfires had a higher survival rate.
A total of 1100000 acres of land was burnt during the fires, and the estimated energy released was equivalent to 1500 Hiroshima atomic bombs.The emotional scars from Black Saturday are still around today; many affected families have refused to rebuild their homes, due to the risk of having another fire burn it back to the ground.
The importance of preparation was shown after the fires, homes that were prepared for the event of bushfires had a higher survival rate.
A total of 1100000 acres of land was burnt during the fires, and the estimated energy released was equivalent to 1500 Hiroshima atomic bombs.The emotional scars from Black Saturday are still around today; many affected families have refused to rebuild their homes, due to the risk of having another fire burn it back to the ground.
Responses
Researchers from state fire emergencies and research groups assembled under the Bushfire CRC to look at the issues that arose from the Black Saturated bushfires. They examined things like fire behaviour, human behaviour, buildings and land issues. Many people weren't prepared for the severity of the fires and therefore a lot of last minute preparing took place. Fire agencies and councils were only mildly effective in alerting communities about the on-coming fires. The creation of bushfire prevention strategies also resulted from the bushfires.
The Black Saturday bushfires saw immediate community responses, donations and international aid efforts. Government inquiries resulted in a Royal Commission into the fires, with recommendations and discussions.
There was a massive and overwhelming international response to the tragedy. Many countries offered condolences and sympathy. Countries including; Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA offered to send out all types of assistance (humanitarian, fire aid and rebuilding support).
Federal Parliament was suspended during the fires. The Premier of Victoria at the time, John Brumby, accepted assistance from the Australian Defense Force in battling the fires. Queen Elizabeth II made a donation to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire fund and sent "heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have died.", as well as admiration to those involved in the bushfire counter attack. Princess Anne represented the Queen at a memorial service in Melbourne and additionally toured the affected areas.
The then Chief Commissioner of the Victorian Police, Christine Nixon, announced on 10th February that she would retire earlier than planned so she could lead a state government committee charged with rebuilding the fire affected areas.
Over 4000 firefighters from the Victorian Country Fire Authority, along with firefighters from other states, New Zealand and the US were sent to battle the blazes. Military aid sent by the Commonwealth Governor-in-General were also used.
Humanitarian responses came from the Australian Government, businesses, individuals and aid agencies. A charity concert "Sound Relief" raised $8.8 million for the victims of the fires. There was also flags raised at half mast and a moment of silence held for the deceased victims.
The Black Saturday bushfires saw immediate community responses, donations and international aid efforts. Government inquiries resulted in a Royal Commission into the fires, with recommendations and discussions.
There was a massive and overwhelming international response to the tragedy. Many countries offered condolences and sympathy. Countries including; Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA offered to send out all types of assistance (humanitarian, fire aid and rebuilding support).
Federal Parliament was suspended during the fires. The Premier of Victoria at the time, John Brumby, accepted assistance from the Australian Defense Force in battling the fires. Queen Elizabeth II made a donation to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire fund and sent "heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have died.", as well as admiration to those involved in the bushfire counter attack. Princess Anne represented the Queen at a memorial service in Melbourne and additionally toured the affected areas.
The then Chief Commissioner of the Victorian Police, Christine Nixon, announced on 10th February that she would retire earlier than planned so she could lead a state government committee charged with rebuilding the fire affected areas.
Over 4000 firefighters from the Victorian Country Fire Authority, along with firefighters from other states, New Zealand and the US were sent to battle the blazes. Military aid sent by the Commonwealth Governor-in-General were also used.
Humanitarian responses came from the Australian Government, businesses, individuals and aid agencies. A charity concert "Sound Relief" raised $8.8 million for the victims of the fires. There was also flags raised at half mast and a moment of silence held for the deceased victims.