Bushfires are a recurring and devastating event in Australia, causing significant damage to the environment, wildlife and communities. Understanding the causes of bushfires and how they start is essential for prevention and mitigation efforts. In this article, we will explore the primary causes of bushfires in Australia, including natural factors, human activities and the role of climate change. We will also discuss fire safety measures, preparation for bushfires and government initiatives to address this issue.

How do bushfires start naturally?

Bushfires, a common phenomenon in the Australian landscape, often start naturally, with one of the primary triggers being lightning strikes. When a thunderstormpasses overhead, lightning can strike the earth, generating intense heat that can ignite dry vegetation. This is particularly probable in areas that have experienced a prolonged period of drought, where dried-out plants and grass provide perfect fuel for a fire.

Australia's eucalyptus forests are especially susceptible to bushfires due to the trees' oil-rich leaves. The heat from a lightning strike or existing bushfire can cause the volatile oils in eucalyptus leaves to evaporate and form a gas. This gas can then ignite, forming a fireball and setting alight the surrounding trees.

Moreover, Australia's hot, dry summers combined with its frequent high winds create perfect conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Once a fire starts, the wind can carry burning debris and embers up to kilometres away, igniting new fires in different areas and causing the original fire to spread.

How do bushfires start with humans?

Human activities can also contribute to the occurrence of bushfires. These include accidental ignition, such as discarded cigarettes or unattended campfires, or deliberate acts of arson. Irresponsible behaviour, negligence and intentional fire-starting incidents can have severe consequences, endangering lives and property. Promoting responsible behaviour and fire safety measures is crucial to minimising human-caused bushfires.

What are some of the major bushfires in Australian history?

Australia has experienced its fair share of devastating bushfires. Throughout history, several notable bushfire events have left indelible marks on the country's landscape and collective memory. Recent bushfires include the tragic Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009 and the catastrophic Black Summer Bushfires in 2019/20, which serve as a reminder of the destructive power bushfires can cause to the Australian landscape and community.

1. Black Thursday Bushfires (1851)

The Black Thursday Bushfires occurred on February 6, 1851. Fueled by prolonged drought and extreme weather conditions, these fires ravaged around one quarter of what is now the state of Victoria, scorching millions of hectares of land and causing widespread devastation.

2. Ash Wednesday Bushfires (1983)

In February 1983, the Ash Wednesday Bushfires struck southeastern Australia and caused widespread destruction in Victoria and South Australia. Powerful winds, extreme heat and an abundance of dry fuel following a prolonged drought, allowed the fires to spread quickly. The Ash Wednesday Bushfires resulted in significant loss of life and property, forever etching themselves into the nation's memory.

3. Black Saturday Bushfires (2009)

The Black Saturday Bushfires, which occurred on February 7, 2009, remain one of the darkest chapters in Australia's bushfire history. Raging across Victoria, these fires claimed the lives of 173 people, destroyed thousands of homes and properties and left entire communities devastated. The impact of the Black Saturday Bushfires continues to shape the country's approach to bushfire prevention and management.

4. Black Summer Bushfires (2019-2020)

From July 2019 to March 2020, Australia experienced the relentless fury of the Black Summer Bushfires. These fires, which ravaged multiple states, including New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, were fueled by extreme heat waves, prolonged drought and strong winds. The Black Summer Bushfires resulted in widespread destruction of land, wildlife and property, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's psyche.

Remembering the Past to Forge a Safer Future

While these notable bushfires in Australian history evoke sombre memories, they also serve as reminders of resilience and the need for preparedness. The lessons learned from these events have spurred advancements in fire management, community awareness and emergency response systems. In the face of future challenges, Australia remains committed to protecting its people, wildlife and precious natural landscapes.

Role of climate change in Australian bushfires

Climate change plays a role in exacerbating the risk and severity of bushfires in Australia. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are increasing the likelihood of dangerous bushfire weather in some parts of Australia. Scientific research and expert opinions support the link between climate change and the increasing frequency and severity of bushfires in Australia.

How can you prepare for a bushfire in Australia?

Living in Australia means being aware of the risks associated with bushfires. Preparation is key to ensuring the safety of yourself, your family and your property. Always check the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) for your district and follow the appropriate advice for each level of threat.

The AFDRS is the official fire danger ratings used by state governments in Australia. To find out more about these ratings and how to read them, see our guide here.

Below are some more essential steps to help you prepare for a bushfire in Australia. These tips are based on guidelines provided by state government fire services.

Clearing and Maintaining Your Property

One of the first steps in bushfire preparation is clearing and maintaining your property to minimise potential fire hazards. Here are some important measures to consider:

• Keep trees well-spaced and pruned: Trim branches away from your house and other structures. This helps prevent fire from spreading through direct contact.
• organic litter: Regularly clear loose leaves, grass cuttings and other flammable materials from your property, especially during fire season.
• Clean gutters and install guards: Clear your gutters of leaves and twigs and consider installing metal gutter guards. This prevents debris from accumulating and reduces the risk of ember attacks.
• Repair and seal potential entry points: Check for gaps or cracks in walls, windows and doors. Seal them properly to minimise the penetration of embers.
• Remove flammable material around your home: Materials such as wood piles, door mats, outdoor furniture etc. can result in fire spreading more quickly.
• Prepare a sturdy hose that can reach around your entire home: Ensure that your hose is connected to a reliable source of water (e.g. water tank).

Further solutions to protect your home from bushfires

1. Installing metal fly screens on windows and vents around your property
2. Repairing missing or damaged roof tiles
3. Moving gas cylinders to the side of your home away from trees and gardens
4. Installing a fire sprinkler system to gutters
5. Replacing wooden fences with metal fences

You can find further information on fire prevention and preparation on your state government’s fire safety website.

How do bushfires progress?

Understanding how bushfires progress is essential for prevention, preparedness and response efforts. Let's take a closer look at the process:

• Conditions for Ignition: Bushfires require three main elements: fuel, oxygen and heat. Dry vegetation, such as dead leaves, twigs and grass, acts as fuel. Oxygen is abundant in the air and heat can come from various sources, including lightning strikes or human activities.
• Ignition: When the right conditions align, ignition occurs. Natural causes, like lightning strikes during dry weather, can ignite dry vegetation. Human activities, such as discarded cigarettes or unattended campfires can also start bushfires.

What to do during a bushfire

During a bushfire, following proper safety procedures is crucial. Here are some important steps to take:

• Always follow advice from official fire authorities.
• Alert family and neighbours: Inform your family members and neighbours about the situation and help them take necessary precautions.
• Bring pets inside: Ensure the safety of your pets by bringing them inside well before the fire approaches.
• Dress in protective clothing: Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes and a hat to minimise the risk of burns.
• Shut all doors and windows: Close all doors and windows to prevent embers from entering your home.
• Fill baths, sinks and buckets with water: Fill containers with water to ensure a water supply if needed for firefighting or for personal use during extended power outages.

9 facts about Australian bushfires

1. Australia is one of the most fire-prone countries in the world, due to its hot and dry climate.
2. Bushfires occur across much of Australia throughout the year, but their frequency and intensity increase significantly during the hotter months in and around summer (November to March).
3. The majority of bushfires in Australia are caused by lightning strikes, although some are deliberately lit by arsonists.
4. Some of the worst bushfires in Australian history have occurred in recent years, including the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires which killed at least 33 people and over one billion animals, and destroyed more than 24 million hectares of land.
5. Bushfires can cause significant damage to the environment, including soil erosion, habitat loss and air pollution.
6. Australia has a long history of bushfire management, with strategies such as prescribed burning used to reduce fuel loads and limit the intensity of bushfires.
7. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense bushfires in parts of Australia, with increases in average temperature and changes to rainfall patterns.
8. The impact of climate change could mean that the annual bushfire season becomes longer and more severe.
9. It is important for Australians to be aware of bushfire safety information and initiatives such as hazard reduction burning, to help reduce the risk of bushfires.

Understanding how most bushfires start in Australia is crucial for preventing and responding effectively to these devastating events. While natural causes like lightning strikes contribute significantly to bushfire occurrences, human-related factors, including arson and accidental ignition, also play a significant role. Climate change further exacerbates fire conditions, making the risk of bushfires even more pronounced. By taking precautions, adhering to fire safety measures and supporting government initiatives, we can work towards minimising the occurrence and impact of bushfires, ultimately protecting Australia's landscapes, wildlife and communities.