A warning from the past
Since the early 1990s, prescribed burning rates have dropped, leading to increased bushfire extent. Peet and Williamson (2025) warn that the forest estate now resembles its pre-1961 condition-dense, fuel-laden, and vulnerable.
The 67-year graph from Bushfire Front (refer review) starkly illustrates this trend: as prescribed burning decreased, wildfire area has increased. Without ongoing commitment to fuel reduction and fire science, the hard-won gains of the past risk being undone.
Conclusions
The 1961 Dwellingup fire was a tragedy, but it was also a turning point. It taught Australians that suppression alone is insufficient, that science and planning are essential, and that communities must be prepared with a "Plan B." It demonstrated the power of coordinated response, informed policy, and sustained commitment.
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In SE Australia, it is essential that such a critical lesson and teaching event is examined and all possible lessons captured, including optimised fire mitigation programs.
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About the Author
John is a retired district forester managing large areas of forests
and environmental manager for hydro-electric construction and road
construction projects. His main interests are mild maintenance burning
of forests, trying to change the culture of massive fuel loads in our
forests setting up large bushfires, establishing healthy and safe
resilient landscapes, fire fighter safety, as well as town and city
bushfire safety.
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