What caused the Black Saturday bushfires 2009?
What caused the Black Saturday bushfires 2009?
The Black Saturday fires began with the Kilmore East fire when fallen power-lines started a blaze in farmland at 11.47 am. Strong westerly winds blew the fire towards Humevale and Kinglake with embers causing spot fires up to 20 – 40 kilometres away.
What did we learn from the Black Saturday bushfires?
The knowledge gained has resulted in better weather forecasting, better communication about fires and weather to the public, better coordination and cooperation between emergency response agencies and public land managers, and better building and planning regulations for fire-prone areas.
What impact did the Black Saturday bushfires have on the environment?
Environmental/Social/Economic Impacts – ABC BUSHFIRES. One of the major impacts from the Black Saturday bushfires was the huge amount of loss on flora and fauna. The RSPCA estimated that over one million animals died from the Black Saturday bushfires, and the animals that did survive were severely burnt.
What made the Black Saturday bushfire worse?
They occurred in the state of Victoria on Saturday, 7 February 2009. This day coincided with the worst bushfire weather conditions ever recorded. Extreme heat, high winds, low humidity, and severe drought were all factors in fanning the flames on that tragic day.
What changed after Black Saturday 2009?
It shows that there is a strong relationship between the role of government, communities and individuals that collectively contribute to an improved system of bushfire safety. This will contribute to strengthening our communities’ resilience, decreasing the risk of bushfire and create safer communities.
How did the community respond to Black Saturday?
Responses to the Black Saturday bushfires included immediate community response, donations, and, later, international aid efforts, Government inquiries (including a Royal Commission), and recommendations and discussions from a wide variety of bodies, organisations, authorities and communities.
How did Black Saturday affect the economy?
By valuing a wide range of economic, social and environmental impacts and benefits through an economic loss assessment, the net cost of the Black Saturday Fires was estimated to be $942 million. This value was reached by deducting the total benefits ($1.998 billion) from the total losses ($2.939 billion).
How did the Black Saturday bushfires affect animals?
On 7 February 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires left a path of devastation and destruction across Victoria. 173 people lost their lives and it was estimated that more than one million animals perished. We launched a community-funded mobile animal care vehicle to provide a valuable resource during emergency situations.
How hot did it get on Black Saturday?
As the day progressed, the highest-ever temperatures recorded to date were reached. Melbourne hit 46.4 °C (115.5 °F), the hottest temperature ever recorded for the city and humidity levels dropped to as low as two percent. The McArthur Forest Fire Danger Index reached unprecedented levels, ranging from 160 to over 200.
What was the temperature on Black Saturday?
The so-called “Black Saturday Bushfires” are often called the worst natural disaster in Australia’s history. Bushfires are a common threat in Australia’s arid summer climate. Victoria had been enduring an unusual heat wave, with temperatures as high as 48 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit) and almost no rain.
