The ‘Managing Bushfire Risk in a Changing Climate: A conversation with experts’ panel will discuss research recently published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire, which estimates a 50 to 200 per cent increase in very high and severe fire risk days due to the impacts of climate change.
They will address what these findings mean for bushfire risk in Victoria and how to work in partnership with communities to build resilience to bushfires.
The event will include FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman, CFA manager of research and development Sarah Harris, University of Melbourne Associate Professor Gary Sheridan and Lyn Harwood, a Mallacoota resident and member of the Victorian Government’s community-based bushfire management program.
Mr Hardman said Victoria was one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world and the impacts of climate change must be at the forefront of thinking, planning and actions.
“I’m looking forward to having this important conversation with some of Victoria’s leading experts and sharing knowledge that informs our approach to managing the increasing risk of bushfire, to protect our communities, environment and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Dr Harris also welcomed the opportunity to take part in the event.
“It’s exciting to contribute to discussions like these and hear from others, with expertise and experience of bushfire. Together we can work on how we prepare, respond to and recover from fire events,” she said.
Assoc Prof Sheridan said forest ecology research was essential to find the right balance in bushfire risk management.
“Climate change is making the management of natural resources an increasingly complex task, but research can support balancing the preservation of our forests with reducing bushfire risk,” he said.
Ms Harwood will discuss her experience living through bushfires in Mallacoota.
“As a CFA volunteer and Mallacoota resident, I know how important it is for fire agencies to work with the community to share knowledge and develop plans collaboratively.”
The discussion will be held online on October 19 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and is open to the public. Register at: https://bit.ly/fireexperts
