Archive · 7 Jan 2026
7 Million Australians at Risk from Urban Wildfires
A new report says that almost 7 million Australians live in areas around big cities that are very dangerous for wildfires.
These areas have things like dry weather, strong winds, and lots of flammable plants, which can make fires very bad.
The report says that because of climate change, these fires might be too big for firefighters to control.
It also says that most homes in these areas were built before there were good rules to make them safe from fires.
The report wants the government to do more to stop climate change and to help protect these areas.
Additionally, a brutal heatwave is currently affecting Australia's southern states, with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius in some cities, causing bushfires to flare and straining power grids.
Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and keep hydrated.
Almost 7 million Australians live in high-risk wildfire zones on the outskirts of major cities.
The number of people living in these areas has increased by 65.5% since 2001.
90% of homes in high-risk fire zones were built before modern bushfire-resilient standards.
Climate pollution is worsening fire weather conditions, making fires harder to control.
The report calls for increased emergency service and land management capacity in these areas.
- Who
- Almost 7 million Australians living in urban fringes of major cities
- What
- Increased risk of deadly wildfires due to urban fire events and intense heatwaves
- When
- Report published on Tuesday, with increasing risk due to climate change and heatwaves occurring on Wednesday
- Where
- Outer suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra
- Why
- Urban fringe characteristics similar to those that caused the LA wildfires, combined with climate pollution worsening fire weather conditions and intense heatwaves
Climate Change Advocates
Urban Development Supporters
Climate Change Impact
Climate Change Advocates
Climate pollution is worsening fire weather conditions, making fires harder to control and more dangerous.
Urban Development Supporters
Urban development is necessary for economic growth and housing, and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Emergency Preparedness
Climate Change Advocates
Increased emergency service and land management capacity is crucial to mitigate the risks posed by wildfires.
Urban Development Supporters
Investing in emergency services and land management may not be cost-effective and could divert resources from other important areas.
- Population at Risk
- 6.9 million
- Increase in Population
- 65.5% since 2001
- High-Risk Homes Built Before Standards
- 90%
- Fatalities from 10% of Fires
- 78%
- Report Authors
- Climate Council and Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA)
- Key Risk Factors
- Extreme dry periods, severe winds, history of destructive fires
- Report Publication Date
- Tuesday
- Heatwave Temperatures
- Above 40 degrees Celsius in some cities
- Affected States
- New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania
