Five-year anniversary of the Black Summer bush fires

This year marks the anniversary of the devastating Black Summer bush fires, which burned from July 2019 until March of the following year. By this time, countless homes had already been destroyed and most tragically lives had been lost. This day, 8 November 2019, was particularly challenging for many with dangerous weather conditions fanning more than 70 fires burning across the state. By 5pm, an unprecedented 17 fires had been elevated to an Emergency Warning alert level – the most ever at once. On the five-year anniversary, we reflect not only on this day, but on the entire 2019/20 season. While much of the state’s bushland has recovered, we know the impact of these fires is still being felt by the communities who endured them and the firefighters who fought them. Over the coming months, we will remember significant moments from throughout the season. We will never forget the support from the community for our firefighters and we remain so proud of the sustained efforts of emergency service personnel over many months in 2019/20.