NSW Coroner Proposes 28 Firefighting Reforms Post Black Summer Inquiry
March 27, 2024
NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan has issued 28 recommendations following a two-year inquiry into the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.
The recommendations call for improvements in aerial firefighting, incident management, and fire investigation collaboration between agencies.
The inquiry involved examination of 46 fires, 78 days of hearings, and testimonies from 780 witnesses, highlighting the fires' impact with 25 deaths and over 5.5 million hectares burned.
The proposals seek better fire response and probe into the classification system's limitations, aiming to enhance preparedness and adapt to climate change.
Specific measures include scrutinizing the use of strategic backburns and ensuring police involvement in fire scene examinations.
The recommendations also focus on the safety and decision-making surrounding the deployment of Very Large Air Tankers following a fatal crash.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Mar 27, 2024
NSW coroner calls for overhaul of alerts, risk and firefighting systems after Black Summer bushfires
The Sydney Morning Herald • Mar 27, 2024
Strategic backburns that run wild should be referred to coroner, inquiry finds
The Age • Mar 27, 2024
Strategic backburns that run wild should be referred to coroner, inquiry finds
The West Australian • Mar 27, 2024
‘Intensifying’: Chilling warning after fatal fires