Physical description

2009 Bushfires Royal Commission Final Report consisting of a cardboard folder with a colour illustration of a bushfire scene; final report summary booklet with extensive black printed text and the same cover illustration as the folder; and an electronic version consisting a CD in a cardboard cover.

Summary

The Black Saturday bushfires were a series of devastating bushfires that swept across Victoria beginning on 7 February 2009. They continued to ravage the State of Victoria until declared under control on 14th March 2009.

Over 450,000 hectares of land were burned, impacting 78 communities and 51 townships. Tragically 173 people died in the fires and another 414 were recorded as injured. More than 2,000 homes and a total of 3,500 buildings were destroyed.

The Royal Commission immediately called for by Victorian Premier Mr John Brumby issued 67 recommendations which changed building codes in high-risk zones, warning systems, and Country Fire Authority (CFA) safety policies.