A Book that Changed my Understanding of Australian Fire Management

The Black Summer bushfires that occurred in Australia from September 2019 to February 2020 can be marked as a turning point regarding our nations understanding of fire. 

17 billion hectares of Australian land was burnt, and it was estimated that over one billion animals perished (Dickman, 2021). Years after this disaster, experts are still grappling with the full extent and impacts this event had on the natural world. This situation left many questioning whether this environmental emergency could have been prevented, and if we are truly in touch with our country. 

Satellite image of fires burning and smoke in NSW, November 9th, 2019 - Source: https://theconversation.com/australias-black-summer-of-fire-was-not-normal-and-we-can-prove-it-172506

Having spent my honours year researching the effects of fire-fighting chemicals on amphibian health, development, growth and behaviour, I have always had a natural interest in fire ecology and methods of fire prevention. This led me to delve into the subject of fires in Australia, guiding me to a book that truly changed my perspective. 

Victor Steffensen is an Indigenous filmmaker, musician and consultant that applies traditional knowledge in a contemporary context. His book Fire Country, tells the story of how he learnt about traditional burning techniques from two elders, Dr Tommy George (TG) and Dr George Musgrave (Poppy). The book provides a guide to reading the country, resulting in finding natural indicators in the landscape for ideal time for burns to occur in a range of Australian habitats. Victor possesses critical and invaluable knowledge, with more than 27 years of experience in Indigenous fire management, and the revival of these practices are needed now more than ever. 

Watch the link below to learn more about Victor and his extensive expertise on indigenous fire management:

 Author: Kate Tunstill

Dickman, C.R., 2021. Ecological consequences of Australia's “Black Summer” bushfires: Managing for recovery. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 17(6), pp.1162-1167.