Two Fire Notes have been published jointly by the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council.
One is Assessing Aerial Suppression Drop Effectiveness by Dr. Matt Plucinski. I found it very interesting, especially the infrared photos of fires and retardant drops. The publication covers drop placement, suppression chemicals, drop coverage, and the effects on fire behavior.
Here is one illustration from the paper:
The second one is Exploring the Bushfire Experience from a Domestic Perspective, by Mae Proudley. The author concludes, in part:
The south-eastern region of Australia is often cited as being one of the most bushfire-prone locations in the world and yet there is a disturbing lack of national research which focuses on bushfire from the perspective of families.
There is little recognition of the emotional attachment that people have to their homes, possessions and domestic pets or livestock and how this influences people’s behaviour and responses before and during a bushfire. Critical decision-making, often influenced by the presence of children in bushfire and other emergency situations, has been central to this qualitative research. This case study provides evidence-based research that supports the need to rethink the Prepare, Stay and Defend or Leave Early policy in terms of those who are expected to enact it – including families under extreme stress.
Thanks Ion
