The recent Los Angeles (LA) fires serve as a critical case study for Australia, highlighting the need for improved urban planning, community engagement and disaster preparedness to mitigate fire risk in the face of climate change.
A special February Hazardous Webinar discussed the Australian implications of the devastating LA fires. Hosted by Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) and AFAC, the panel featured experts who shared insights on the causes of the LA fires, the lessons learned and how Australia can better prepare for similar disasters.
The LA fires resulted in significant destruction, with more than 25 fatalities, 16,000 plus structures destroyed and economic damages estimated between $150 billion and $275 billion USD. The fires highlight the increasing risk of fires in urban areas, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather conditions.
Webinar host, Centre CEO Andrew Gissing highlighted the key factors contributing to the devastation in southern California:
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Urban planning decisions Many homes were built in high-risk areas without adequate consideration for wildfire threats. Research indicated that properties exposed to bushfire increased by 40% in the decades leading up to the disaster.
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Fire management practices The default mindset of suppressing all fires has led to a buildup of combustible materials, increasing the risk of catastrophic fires.
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Extreme weather conditions The combination of drought and strong winds created conditions that overwhelmed firefighting resources, complicating suppression efforts.
Kelly Martin from Lasair Fire Consulting joined from the United States. A volunteer firefighter who was on the fireground in LA with a strike team from Idaho, Kelly’s experience in fire management stretches over 40 years, in the US National Parks Service and US Forest Service, culminating as the Chief of Fire and Aviation in Yosemite National Park, retiring in 2019. Kelly is also the immediate past President of the International Association of Wildland Fire.
A veteran firefighter with more than 40-years of experience, Kelly shared her firsthand observations from the LA fires. She emphasised the importance of community preparedness and the need for better fire management practices. Kelly noted that many homes were built without considering fire risks, leading to devastating losses. She highlighted the emotional toll of witnessing entire neighbourhoods vanish in a matter of hours.
Prof David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science and Director of the Fire Centre at the University of Tasmania, leads research for the Centre with more than 40 years’ experience in fire science.
David discussed the broader implications of the LA fires in the context of global climate change. He stressed that the fires are a culmination of signals indicating that bushfire activity is increasing due to climate change. David warned against merely bouncing back to previous practices and emphasised the need for transformative thinking and community empowerment to adapt to changing fire regimes.
Rob Webb, CEO of AFAC, has worked with emergency managers before, during and after disasters for more than 30 years. A passionate advocate for disaster risk reduction, Rob spoke to the importance of community engagement and preparedness in reducing the impact of a southern California-style bushfire in Australia.
Rob noted that Australia has made significant strides in improving fire warning systems and community messaging since past disasters. However, he emphasised the need for ongoing education and collaboration with communities to build resilience against future fires.
Key takeaways for Australia
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Reassess urban planning: Australia must critically evaluate urban planning decisions to avoid building in high-risk fire areas. This includes implementing stricter building codes and fire management practices.
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Community empowerment: Engaging communities in fire preparedness and response is crucial. This includes educating residents about fire risks and encouraging grassroots initiatives to enhance resilience.
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Adaptation strategies: As climate change continues to impact fire behaviour, Australia must develop adaptive strategies that go beyond traditional firefighting methods. This includes investing in research and development for innovative solutions.
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Addressing misinformation: Effective communication is essential in managing public perception and response during disasters. Authorities must work to counter misinformation and build trust within communities.
The LA fires serve as a stark reminder of the increasing risks posed by bushfires, particularly in urban environments. As Australia faces similar challenges, it is imperative to learn from these events and implement proactive measures to enhance community resilience and preparedness. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, researchers, and local communities, Australia can better navigate the complexities of wildfire management in a changing climate.
Replay the webinar below and read more about the big questions the LA fires pose for Australia.