Impacts
In terms of social impact, four people died as a result of the fire, two of whom were volunteer firefighters. Around 27, 250citizens had to be evacuated, and 205 homes were reduced to rubble along with 70 significantly damaged, most located in the Sutherland region. Clouds of smog shrouded NSW causing many respiratory sicknesses such as Asthma attacks.
The environment suffered drastically, with 800,000 hectare of land burnt from the fires, with the almost total annihilation of the Royal National Park. Large totals of wildlife such as koalas and reptiles perished, along with 200livestock.
Economically, the bushfires caused an estimated $58,000,000 worth of damage. Many businesses and infrastructure were also burnt down. 600km of fencing were destroyed and over 7km of fire hose melted.
Responses
Approximately 20000 volunteer firefighters were deployed from all over Australia and New Zealand along with diverse numbers of fire trucks and helicopters. The Navy, Army and Air Force were also called in to join the firefight.
Post Bushfire, the Lord Mayor of Sydney initiated the Sydney’s Bushfire Appeal, which raised a total of $6,000,000 for the survivors. Prime Minister Paul Keating also encouraged generosity to charities. In response to the damage, insurance companies paid out $58,000,000 in damage payments to the victims. Many other abundant companies, church groups, schools and charities appealed for citizens to donate generously to the victims of the 1994 Sydney Bushfires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fires of Sydney 1994 were destructive and terrifying. However, authorities were not ready for the extra-ordinary number of fires, and so had to call on other states and countries for help. The next time a major fire affects any where in Australia, we need to be ready.
Individually, we need to make sure that in bushfire prone areas, that houses meet the safety requirements and standards. Before the outbreak of fire, individuals must assess the safety of their house and occupants, using this checklist from:
Also, individuals must come up with an emergency evacuation plan incase a fire does threaten them. They must decide if they want to evacuate or defend their homes. A good website which details what to do in different bushfire scenarios is:
Individuals must also make sure, that if possible, that there house is insured and that other family members in the vicinity are safe. Another great site for bushfire management on the individual level would be:
On a community level, people must help with each other’s bushfire preparation. Towns/suburbs should also be prepared for the worst and the elderly, frail and people of unsound mind should be continuously monitored. Refuge Sites must be sought and even a Neighborhood Evacuation Plan should be available. Communities need to manage this crisis carefully otherwise tragedies may occur. A good resource for this management would be
The Government must also be ready to aid the evacuees from bushfire affected areas. Safe-houses should be set up for victims, and adequate firefighters and equipment are readily available to combat the fires. The government must also reassess its options or call on the community for advice in the likelihood of a bushfire. Some legislation concerning relief funds and mitigation processes can be found at:
