"Without significant rain existing fires could burn for weeks. Summer is a long way from over and we all need to be prepared for what Mother Nature might bring.

The Victorian fires last Friday highlighted that under extreme and catastrophic bushfire conditionsit can be very challenging to prevent the spread of large destructive fires. 

Effective warning and evacuation strategies, emphasising that leaving early on such days is the safest decision, likely saved many lives. Much has changed since the 2009 Black Saturday fires when residents were encouraged to stay and defend their homes rather than leave early.

Home preparation is essential to reduce house losses in extreme and catastrophic conditions. Research highlights that the management of bushfire fuels around homes is critical. Combustible fuels directly adjacent to homes are susceptible to ignition due to falling embers which subsequently can destroy homes. Science shows that if it can burn it should not be within a metre and a half of a bushfire prone home."

"There is an ongoing discussion about bushfire data and how this can inform actions, and be shared across the sector and with the public.

There has been a major change since Black Summer as the Royal Commission and NSW Inquiry called for more collective approaches to bushfire data. This is an ongoing discussion and will be revisited constantly based on the experiences on the ground."

"After traumatic events, it is normal for people to feel helpless, hopeless, anxious, and overwhelmed. Valued activities such as work, self-care, and leisure are usually disrupted and individuals may question the meaning of life or 'why' this has happened to them.

Recovery, therefore, is not only about safety and rebuilding homes, but about rebuilding lives.

It is important that people are supported to restore meaning, everyday routines, and a sense of belonging. My research with Victorians impacted by floods and with first responders shows that meaningful activities such as creative pursuits, cooking, exercise, and cultural and spiritual practices can be particularly important for trauma recovery. Where possible, individuals should be supported to help with community clean-up and recovery efforts as this allows people to contribute and regain a sense of control after experiencing loss.

Communities can support individuals impacted by the recent bushfires by providing practical assistance with clothing, transport, or care; providing opportunities for community gatherings, and by inviting others to join everyday activities such as walks or shared meals.

Simply listening without judgement, sharing skills, or helping someone re-engage with a valued routine can make a lasting difference to recovery and well-being."

"From a landscape ecologist’s perspective, two things stand out about the current fire situation.

First, the distribution of fires right across Victoria – there are fires burning from the Mallee to East Gippsland, the Otways to the Murray River. Active fires in so many parts of the state at the same time is unprecedented.

And second, while many different vegetation types have been impacted (wet forests, dry woodlands, mallee and shrublands), these fires are not restricted to forested areas. Huge areas of agricultural land have been burnt right across the State.

While we won’t know the full ecological toll of these fires until ecologists can survey the fire grounds, both of these observations reflect the pervasive impact of climate change as an underlying causal factor in the breadth and severity of these fires.

Climate change is drying the landscape, setting up the pre-conditions required for large fires, and increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme fire weather (hot, windy and low humidity), which then only requires the smallest spark to light an inferno."

"The continuing heat and current fire conditions are placing extreme pressure on livestock and the producers who care for them. Heat stress has an impact on animal welfare and productivity, especially as paddocks have been burnt, and shade and fresh water is limited. With large areas of grazing country now damaged, stock may face short feed supply and exposure to ash, dust, and smoke.

Right now, producers or volunteers who may be helping should continue to monitor for behavioural signs of heat stress - rapid open-mouth panting, restlessness, more standing or shade seeking behaviours, reduced eating, drooling, and lethargy. These indicate signs animals are struggling to cool down.

The priority is to keep them hydrated as best as possible with clean water, providing any available shade or shelter, and supplementing feed where pasture is lost with hay, silage, or grain. Keep livestock off burnt areas until no smoke or heat lingers, as hot ash, embers, and dry or scorched soils can cause lameness or injury.

Early assessment of all surviving stock and burnt grazing areas is critical to plan recovery and avoid long-term health consequences. The resilience of our livestock systems depends on rapid response and coordinated support between producers, veterinarians, and emergency agencies to protect both animal welfare and farm recovery."

"Hot, dry conditions make it much easier for fires to start, but the most damaging fires need strong wind. What this means is that, if a bushfire is going, then the danger doesn’t disappear after a heatwave finishes. Properly extinguishing a fire means making sure that every burning log close to the fire’s edge is completely out, so until this is done, even a strong cold wind can cause a smouldering fire to spread in a disastrous way at times."