Australia is on Fire – What is the Cause of Australia’s Fires?

Most of the world is aware that right now Australia is Burning.  The country is experiencing terrible fires that have been a part of Australian life for several months now.  As one could expect there is a lot of discussions. On the media and elsewhere everyone talks about why there are so many fires.

Certainly, Australia is in drought – most places in Australia have had far less than their usual rains.  Rivers have dried up. People who rely on rains to supply the water for drinking for themselves and their animals are in dire trouble.  Many stock and farms are without enough water to sustain their animals or farms.  Many of us were/are hoping for big summer rains.  Sadly too many areas that would normally have rain, have not seen a drop this season.

The hot and dry weather is regarded by some as due to “climate change”. There is much discussion about this.  I, for one, consider that there is climate change – but that has been happening for thousands of years.  But what are the other factors?

Arsonists – these pests, folks who like lighting fires – have been active.  They tend to get very excited about seeing flames and some have set several fires.

If Australia is Burning – what other causes are there?

One factor that has been discussed widely is the lack of preparation.  I, a senior member of our community, can remember that many years ago, fire breaks were at the boundary of all farming properties.  This was pretty much throughout Australia.   Each winter, a tractor would plough for several metres on the inside of his fence line. This would make it a little difficult for any fire to advance.

Some areas were deliberately lit so that they could burn out any excessive dry/dead foliage, which reduced the fodder for any future fire.  While many areas are dealing with the excessive smoke in the air, fire is not everywhere.  And while it does feel like all Australia is burning, it is not quite that bad.

Politics and Rules Change

But things have changed over the years.  Is it as a result of the Greens Party – a political left-wing group that disputes the destruction of our native trees, forests etc?  Though a minority party, it is suspected that many government organisations have been influenced by them.

Farmers who wanted to do things to protect their farms and houses were not permitted to do so, and indeed threated with massive fines if they did.  The planned burn-offs, and there were some, were not all completed in part due to the dry weather and concerns that they would cause more fire damage.  It does look as if Australia is on fire!

Planned Inquiries

There is much talk about different inquiries and discussions with politicians, public servants, fire experts and perhaps our indigenous people on how to prevent such terrible fires and destruction of homes, towns, stock and bushland in the future.  Time will tell.

This video has been posted by a “bushie” an Australian man who “knows” the bush.  It is going to be a difficult time as not only are there plenty of repairs to do, various people have strong opinions too.  Watch this space!

Photo from www.popsugar.com.au

The above photo was “borrowed” from https://www.popsugar.com.au/news/photos-australian-bushfires-2020-47068195
Please visit the site for more photos.

Australians are very appreciative of all the support from around the world!  Many thanks.