Beyond the Smoke: A Compassionate Look at Fire Risk Management
Across Victoria right now, skies are thick with smoke and hearts are heavy with concern. Fires ripping through communities, from the north-east to the Otways, are among the worst we have seen. This conversation is not about picking sides or assigning blame. Fire risk management in a landscape like Victoria's is shaped by many interconnected factors. The key point is that effective fuel reduction is multifaceted — prescribed burns, mechanical treatments, strategic fire breaks, defensible planning, community preparedness and ongoing risk assessment all contribute to a balanced, resilient approach.