Victorian Bushfires Sparks Debate on Policy

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Bushfires are still raging in some parts of Victoria. Firefighters are afraid that the gales are starting more fires on other places. Damage from fallen trees and power lines are to be expected as westerly winds turn into gale-force in some areas. The strong winds are disrupting firefighting efforts, not merely as a nuisance but also a danger to the firefighters.

New fires started to flare because of the wind blowing in the north-eastern direction. However, the fires are contained as thousands of firefighters and service workers are deployed to keep the fires in. The key factors to a bushfire are fuel, weather, and topography. This time it is the weather factor that is endangering another massive blaze if the containment lines won’t hold.

With about 210 people on the death toll of this gargantuan tragedy, Australian fire policies are being reviewed. The policy of “stay-and-defend-or-leave-early” is being considered and reviewed. Victorian Premier, John Brumby is a big proponent for this review. He was quoted as saying that the old policy did not work on February 7 because it was an exceptional condition.

“There were many people who had done all of the preparations, had the best fire plans in the world and tragically it didn’t save them.” Said Brumby.

The Victorian bushfire has also been a cause for unity and at the same time divisiveness among the people of Australia. Some survivors of the bushfire blame the “green” policy of the local authorities. They said that they were not allowed to cut down bush lands that may pose a fire risk. The green policy pertains to the law set by local government prohibiting residents from chopping down trees and bushes no matter the fire hazard. This prohibition to preserve native vegetation is under study for changes to be made.

As of now, the bushfires are getting contained by the noble fire fighters and service workers. The wind is not cooperative and is spreading the fires to other directions. The fire strike teams are being pulled out for fear of debris and other materials.

It is preparation and policy that should get people out of danger whenever something extraordinarily horrible happens. The question is; should policy be changed even if it has passed through the test of time and research studies?

You will find more details here http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/bushfires/ and http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/03/2506475.htm

Should flexibility in policy and lawmaking be employed so that any unexpected accidents can be averted?

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