Menu Close

Articles on Spring 2019 bushfires

Displaying 21 - 39 of 39 articles

Dale Palmer prepares his home in NSW for the bushfires. The decision to stay and defend one’s property requires a person to be mentally, as well as physically, prepared. AAP/Darren Pateman

It’s hard to breathe and you can’t think clearly – if you defend your home against a bushfire, be mentally prepared

In catastrophic fire conditions, leaving early is the only safe option. But in other conditions, one thing that’s often overlooked in decisions to stay or go is how mentally tough you need to be.
Last year fire storms raged across California. Similar conditions could become more likely for Australia. Giovanni is interested in how meteorological processes operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales to control air pollution events, and how this influence is mediated by topographic variation and characteristics of the urban environment. His current r

Climate change will make fire storms more likely in southeastern Australia

Extreme fire risk will overlap with weather patterns to create fire tornadoes more often under climate change.
It’s difficult to recall what you might need as you’re preparing to evacuate, so have your kit ready to go. New Africa/Shutterstock

Evacuating with a baby? Here’s what to put in your emergency kit

Babies are particularly vulnerable in emergencies, especially in hot weather. Here’s what your emergency kit needs to ensure they stay hydrated if you have to evacuate or you lose power or water.
Women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die in a disaster. AAP Image/Darren Pateman

Domestic violence will spike in the bushfire aftermath, and governments can no longer ignore it

Natural disasters amplify the conditions leading to domestic violence. Yet Australia’s disaster policies are “gender blind”.
Firefighters conduct property protection as a bushfire approaches homes at Woodford NSW, Friday, November 8, 2019. Calls for more controlled burning are common after a major bushfire. DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAP

A surprising answer to a hot question: controlled burns often fail to slow a bushfire

Despite the hype around hazard reduction burning this week, evidence shows the measure does not necessarily reduce the bushfire risk.
The devastating bushfires are intensifying the pressure on a government already increasingly on the back foot over climate. Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Grattan on Friday: When the firies call him out on climate change, Scott Morrison should listen

Emergency Leaders for Climate Action have a simple message: we’re in “a new age of unprecedented bushfire danger” due to climate change. But Morrison refuses to acknowledge it as a central issue.
As bushfires continue to burn across NSW and Queensland, the Prime Minister and Opposition leader have said policy arguments should be avoided until the immediate crisis has passed, but many disagree. Dan Peled/AAP

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Minister David Littleproud on bushfires, drought, and the Nationals

Minister David Littleproud on bushfires, drought, and the Nationals The Conversation, CC BY49.3 MB (download)
In this podcast, David Littleproud says "as elected officials, we've got a responsibility" to wait for the right time to talk about the link between climate change and the ongoing bushfires.
Residents evacuate themselves and their animals to a park in Old Bar, NSW, Saturday, November 9, 2019. AAP Image/Darren Pateman

How we plan for animals in emergencies

During an emergency it’s vital you know what your animals need, where you can take them and what your local rules are. Fortunately, there are plans in place and guidelines to help.
There are no guarantees in bushfires, but you can improve the odds your house survives a blaze. Photo by Edward Doody, courtesy of Arkin Tilt Architects

12 simple ways you can reduce bushfire risk to older homes

Houses built more than 20 years ago are likely to be more vulnerable to bushfires than newer builds. But there are some simple and inexpensive ways to reduce your risk.
Smoke haze from the bushfires in NSW drifted over Sydney on November 12. Paul Braven/AAP

How does poor air quality from bushfire smoke affect our health?

Smoke from the bushfires has impacted air quality in affected and surrounding areas. To minimise any health risks, people with pre-existing medical conditions should take extra care.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison inspecting a burnt-out property in the Gold Coast hinterland in September 2019. Mr Morrison has offered “thoughts and prayers” to those affected by the fires. Dave Hunt/AAP

Mr Morrison, I lost my home to bushfire. Your thoughts and prayers are not enough

Fire officials warn that this week’s catastrophic fire conditions are “where people die”. Climate change has arrived, and politicians should drop the meaningless rhetoric.

Top contributors

More