South eastern Australia, including Victoria, is among the most bushfire-prone areas in the world.

Victoria’s high bushfire risk is due to a combination of factors including increasing population density in fire-prone areas.

Major bushfires can lead to loss of life and injury, damage to key state infrastructure such as electricity transmission lines, water supply assets and transport links.

Additionally, fast moving grass fires in metro/rural interface environments, structure fires in urban environments, and mine fires caused by fires in nearby bushland all pose their unique challenges and consequences.

Examples of significant bushfires and related fires include the 2009 Black Saturday fires, 2014 Hazelwood mine fire and more recently the 2019-20 fires which led to major reviews at state level and a Royal Commission at national level: Inquiry into the 2019–20 Victorian Fire Season and Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements respectively.

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Publish year Assurance activity Summary Organisation
2015 Independent investigation into Lancefield-Cobaw fire  (External link) An investigation of a fire resulting from a planned burn that broke containment lines, this report recommended improvements to the planned burning systems and processes of DELWP. The new direction, to be implemented over the next five years sought to ensure that fire and land managers and community work as one to reduce bushfire risk. Independent
2015 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission – 2015 Progress Report (External link) The first progress report on the implementation of the recommendations from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, following the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Implementation Monitor’s 2014 final report. This report found that actions relating to a Powerline Bushfire Safety Program (PBSP) reduced the likelihood that Victoria’s electricity distribution system will be the cause of a catastrophic bushfire in the future. Inspector-General for Emergency Management
2015 2013–14 Fire Season Compliance Report – 2015 Progress Update (External link) A progress update following the initial compliance report to Government in October 2014 on the implementation status of agreed actions and recommendations arising from three 2013-14 fire season reports. Inspector-General for Emergency Management
2015 Interim Report on the Inquiry into the CFA Training College at Fiskville (External link) The Interim Report identifies a number of key themes emerging from submissions and the first four public hearings Parliament of Victoria
2015 Bushfires Royal Commission Implementation Monitor Annual Report - July 2014 (External link) The final update on outstanding actions from the State’s Implementation Plan for each of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Final Report recommendations. Bushfires Royal Commission Implementation Monitor
2015 Review of Performance Targets for Bushfire Fuel Management on Public Land (External link) A review examining the appropriateness of a fixed hectare-based target for planned burning versus a risk reduction target. The review found that a risk reduction target would better encourage shared responsibility for the management of bushfire risk, integrate planning and investment, and provide a more adaptable approach for fuel management. Inspector-General for Emergency Management
2015 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry Implementation Monitor – 2015 Annual Report (External link) A consolidated annual report by Hazelwood Coal Mine Fire Implementation Monitor and IGEM on government’s progress with implementation of recommendations and affirmations in the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry Report – Implementation and Monitoring Plan. The report found positive progress by the state and ENGIE. Inspector-General for Emergency Management
2014 Mt Ray-Boundary Track Fire Review (External link) A review that considered community concerns relating to the management of the incident, this report set out a set of strategic actions to improve fire management in these communities such as Initial Attack / utilisation of resources, Road Traffic Management and community involvement in fire preparedness, response and recovery. Emergency Management Victoria
2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry 2014 (External link) The Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry was conducted from February to September 2014 to inquire into the response to the 2014 fires which took hold in the Hazelwood mine as a result of embers spotting from bushfires. The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference required the Board to inquire into and report on a range of issues, including the origin of the fire, the firefighting response, fire prevention and preparedness measures taken by the owner, operator and licensee of the mine and regulatory agencies, the fire’s impacts on the health and wellbeing of affected communities, and the response to the health emergency. Board of Inquiry into the Hazelwood Mine Fire
2014 2013-14 Fire Season Compliance Report (External link) A progress report on the implementation of identified actions prepared for the Emergency Management Commissioner and the emergency management sector in response to the significant 2013-14 fire season. Comprised of three reports, it identified opportunities for improvement through specific actions for sector. Inspector-General for Emergency Management