I hope this is not taken in the wrong way as I have witnessed first hand the Ash Wednesday, Port Lincoln/ Wangary and Grampians fires and have photographed some of the aftermath of these fires and I am staggered at the loss of life, infrastructure, homes, livestock and peoples precious memories and treasures that are lost forever. There are those that are fire conscience and maintain their properties with fire reduction in mind but there are many who pay no heed to being prepared for fire and the devastation it wreaks.
As people seek the rural sea change / tree change lifestyle many are unprepared either through ignorance or the shell be alright mate attitude
It is well past the time that local shires / councils police fire regulations to the letter of law, they also must be accountable for their own properties as well. State legislators must toughen future building regulations in fire prone areas to help ensure a level of safety for occupants. Approvals for housing developments on the rural fringes must be developed with fire prevention and escape routes in mind. Consider towns and estates in your areas and the ability for 5hem to cope with high volumes of traffic in evacuation periods, many would be found wanting.
State legislators must also review the regulations around controlled burns to ensure we do not have increased fuel loads etc in our State and National Parks, turn to our indigenous brothers and learn from their use of burns to prevent catastrophic fires.
Evacuation orders must be enforced on days of catastrophic fire danger, houses will provide no protection under these conditions, getting out early is the only way to remain safe.
Arsonists must be dealt with harshly, the full force of the law must apply, looters, the lowest form of burglar, should be dealt with severely also.
Firefighters, both voluntary and paid, water bombing pilots, police, ambulance, Red Cross, Salvation Army, service groups etc should all be heralded and celebrated for the bravery and tireless service to the community in the worst of times.
We live in a country which can be very unforgiving and I feel for those that have been touched these latest fires.
Please stay safe.
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