Yes, it is a bit confluence of many past and current decisions that have led to this... This does seem worse than most years, but it happens (albeit on a smaller scale) every year.

I have read a little about the indigenous methods of fire management... Leaving aside the changes climatic conditions, is it something that is compatible or adaptable to the fixed population centres that modern Australia has?

That volunteer fire fighting is the backbone of a seasonal fire effort is a bit of a joke. No offence to the fire fighters, but we make more than enough via mining to at least funnel some resources towards paying these people who risk their lives and for equipment as well...

My parents in law have a coastal house in Tathra (which survived last years disaster...), but they are a touch on the old side to stay and fight... Plus too many little ones down there with them. They chose to leave, but still be back there next year as it has been their second home for past few decades! Thankfully, their group of cars made it back safely in early hours of Friday.

It sounds like Victoria is also having a huge crisis and the potential for the fires to link across borders... Best of luck to your friends and relatives, and a special thanks to Russell, hope he stays safe. (Mallacoota, that was where they were cut off and had to be evacuated by the Navy?)