Black Saturday Flashcards
When and where
Feb 7 - Mar 14 2009
Victoria, Australia
Spatial
Burned 450,000 ha of land
400 fires recorded by the end of the day
Flames recorded as high as 30m
Temporal
Started Feb 7 and only put out finally on 14th March
Feb 8 Kilmore East and Murrundindi fires merged
Fires have been part of Australias environment since the continent began –> past 200 years intensity and frequency have increased
Jan 2003 - Victoria Alpine Fires - 1.3 million ha
Jan 2020 - Victoria/NSW mega blaze - 1.5+ million ha
Perception
Covered in oil-rich eucalyptus
Summer climates often feature 40°C temps
High winds → drier conditions and fan flames
Decline in rural population → decline in rural services → more difficult to fight fires
Cause
2 month+ heat wave → no rain and temps as high as 48°C
Hot air directed at area due to weather configurations
Winds - 100km/h
Most of the bushfires were results of arson, fallen power lines and natural events such as lightning strikes
Social impacts
173 dead
414 injured
7000 displaced
loss of homes
Electricity supply disrupted to over 60,000
Economic impacts
Burned 3500 buildings
Loss of jobs and income
$4.4bn in damages
$1.2bn on insurance claims
Completely destroyed marysville
Increased pricing on farmed food
Environmental impacts
RSPCA - estimated 1 million animals died
Animals returning to homes sustained burnt feet
Animals put under threat of extinction
Ash affected catchment area that produces 5 of Melbournes major dams
165 million tonnes of CO2e → 100 tonnes per ha
Long term responses
Oct 2009 - New fire hazard system → everyday broadcast on Fire Danger Index and advises evacuation for at risk areas
New building regulations for fire-prone areas
Rebuilt Marysville → under criticism
Federal government - $10 million emergency package → 9 Feb - $1000 for each adult and $400 for each child affected by the fire
Australian Red Cross raised $315 million
Short term responses
Immediate community response and donations
More than 4,000 fire-fighters from Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)
