Special: Surviving and understanding this bushfire season

Editor's note

Bushfires raged across NSW and Queensland this week, prompting a 'Catastrophic' fire rating for Sydney for the first time. What is especially unusual is how early these fires have come, confirming fears fire seasons are getting longer.

Long-term drought has meant many natural fire breaks – rainforests, gullies and wetlands – have literally evaporated. Some may argue this is no time to discuss climate change, but we disagree. So does Janet Stanley, principal research scientist at the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, who lost her house to a bushfire.

As summer is yet to even begin, we’re certain to see more fires. Even if you live in a traditionally safe area it’s a good idea to talk to your family, make an evacuation plan (including the pets) and prepare your home.

Please stay safe. And stay tuned for more coverage of our environment, climate change, and the science behind natural disasters.

Madeleine De Gabriele

Deputy Editor: Energy + Environment

Residents evacuate themselves and their animals to a park in Old Bar, NSW, Saturday, November 9, 2019. AAP Image/Darren Pateman

How we plan for animals in emergencies

Ashleigh Best, University of Melbourne

During an emergency it's vital you know what your animals need, where you can take them and what your local rules are. Fortunately, there are plans in place and guidelines to help.

Multiple large, intense fires are stretching from Australia’s coast to the tablelands and parts of the interior. AAP Image/Supplied, JPSS

Drought and climate change were the kindling, and now the east coast is ablaze

Ross Bradstock, University of Wollongong; Rachael Helene Nolan, Western Sydney University

They escaped to the coast for the quiet life, but now sea-changers are in the path of monster fires.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison inspecting a burnt-out property in the Gold Coast hinterland in September 2019. Mr Morrison has offered “thoughts and prayers” to those affected by the fires. Dave Hunt/AAP

Mr Morrison, I lost my home to bushfire. Your thoughts and prayers are not enough

Janet Stanley, University of Melbourne

Fire officials warn that this week's catastrophic fire conditions are "where people die". Climate change has arrived, and politicians should drop the meaningless rhetoric.

Stay safe

How a bushfire can destroy a home

Douglas Brown, Western Sydney University

If you're preparing to defend your home from fire, be aware of the vulnerable parts of your house.

Where to take refuge in your home during a bushfire

Douglas Brown, University of Sydney

Leaving early is the best response to a bushfire, but it's not always possible. Every house is different, but there are some general guidelines for finding the safest spots to shelter in your home.

12 simple ways you can reduce bushfire risk to older homes

Douglas Brown, Western Sydney University

Houses built more than 20 years ago are likely to be more vulnerable to bushfires than newer builds. But there are some simple and inexpensive ways to reduce your risk.

How does poor air quality from bushfire smoke affect our health?

Brian Oliver, University of Technology Sydney

Smoke from the bushfires has impacted air quality in affected and surrounding areas. To minimise any health risks, people with pre-existing medical conditions should take extra care.

Fires and tech

Virtual tools, real fires: how holograms and other tech could help outsmart bushfires

David Tuffley, Griffith University

The convergence of technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and virtual reality may offer hope for the way we manage future bushfire disasters.
As flames encroach, those at risk may lose phone signal when they need it most

Stanley Shanapinda, La Trobe University

Service outages, network congestion and infrastructure at risk of being destroyed by fire are some of the issues worsening an already devastating situation.

Let's talk about the c-word

Climate change is bringing a new world of bushfires

Dale Dominey-Howes, University of Sydney

Climate change makes every risk factor for major bushfires worse, which means massive, intense fires will only become more likely.

It’s only October, so what’s with all these bushfires? New research explains it

Chris Lucas, Australian Bureau of Meteorology; Sarah Harris

Bureau of Meteorology researchers painstakingly analysed more than 40 years of data to work out exactly what is causing Australia's spring bushfire phenomenon.