The recent and possibly current, destruction of homes in the Victorian fires seems to highlight, going by the coverage on TV, that most of the homes lost were situated in areas of heavy eucalyptus tree presence.

One wonders why the trees were not cleared away from the houses as euclyptus oil, which is a fire accelerant, is a feature of such trees.

Dear Is Mise,

Perhaps it's a question of "It won't happen to us?"

Foolish, yes. But then perhaps it's possibly the
love of nature and the bush that these people love
that prompts them to move to these areas in the
first place. They feel the risk is worth it.

Perhaps people might avoid building houses on flood plains, among eucalypts or on prime agricultural land.

Re, BUSHFIRES, Is Mise got it right.
People who build homes in the thick of highly flammable bush have no right to expect Firemen and women to risk their lives defending such indefensible foibles.
It's time for Rural Fire Brigades to advise these selfish home owners that the Brigades will not come to their aid,.

Indeed, eucalyptus trees should be replaced with useful and not-so-flammable fruit-trees.

Is Mise,
If one travels the Great Ocean Road one sees roofs of houses just above thick dense low scrub. No wonder they burnt.

In some cases it is just stupidity in other cases the local council may have 'tree preservation' orders that stop people from clearing flammable material from near their homes. Even with adequate clearing that stops a house from catching alight from radiated heat, a home can still ignite from embers from an approaching fire. This cause of fire, by burning embers, can be extinguished if there is at least one able bodied person at the house. The present fashion of mass evacuation has a lot to do with many homes burning.

I have had over 50 years experience in bushfire fighting at all levels so know a little about it. Basicly, a home needs a cleared area to stop radiated heat causing ignition and someone in attendance to put out any fire started by wind blown embers.

If anyone doubts what I say, then consult the Australian Bushfires book written by Joan Webster of Victoria, after the disasterous Ash Wednesday fires, It has many recommendations, as has state fire service publications.