On This Day

Bushfires in Victoria leave 173 dead in the worst natural disaster in Australian history

Bushfires in Australia are a widespread and regular occurrence that have contributed significantly to shaping the nature of the continent over millions of years.

Bushfires in Australia are a widespread and regular occurrence that have contributed significantly to shaping the nature of the continent over millions of years. Eastern Australia is one of the most fire-prone regions of the world, and its predominant eucalyptus forests have evolved to thrive on the phenomenon of bushfire. However, the fires can cause significant property damage and loss of both human and animal life. Bushfires have killed approximately 800 people in Australia since 1851, and billions of animals.

The most destructive fires are usually preceded by extreme high temperatures, low relative humidity and strong winds, which combine to create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of fire.

Historical Significance

Bushfires in Australia are a widespread and regular occurrence that have contributed significantly to shaping the nature of the continent over millions of years.

Events Before

  1. A New Hampshire law legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples comes into effect

    A New Hampshire law legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples comes into effect

  2. Australian pop diva Natalie Imbruglia (32) and "Silverchair" frontman Daniel Johns (28) announce their divorce stating "

    Australian pop diva Natalie Imbruglia (32) and "Silverchair" frontman Daniel Johns (28) announce their divorce stating "we have simply grown apart through not being able to spend enough time together"

  3. "Breaking Bad," created by Vince Gilligan and starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, premieres on AMC

    Breaking Bad is an American neo-Western crime drama television series created and produced by Vince Gilligan for AMC.

  4. Fears of a possible US recession cause a Black Monday for global stock markets, European stocks suffer their worst decli

    Fears of a possible US recession cause a Black Monday for global stock markets, European stocks suffer their worst decline since 9/11, and Asian stocks drop as much as 15%

  5. Toshiba announces its formal recall of its HD DVD video format, ending the format war with Sony's Blu-ray Disc

    Toshiba Corporation (株式会社東芝, Kabushikigaisha Tōshiba; English: ) is a Japanese multinational electronics company headquartered in Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Events After

  1. New FINA rules re competition swimsuits come into effect; all body-length swimsuits banned; men's suits to maximally cov

    New FINA rules re competition swimsuits come into effect; all body-length swimsuits banned; men's suits to maximally cover from the waist to knee, and women's from shoulder to knee; fabric must be a "textile" or woven material

  2. Earthquake devastates Haiti, killing an estimated 100,000 to 160,000 people and destroying the majority of the capital P

    Earthquake devastates Haiti, killing an estimated 100,000 to 160,000 people and destroying the majority of the capital Port-au-Prince

  3. "Easy Rider" director and actor Dennis Hopper (73) divorces his fifth wife Victoria Duffy due to irreconcilable differen

    "Easy Rider" director and actor Dennis Hopper (73) divorces his fifth wife Victoria Duffy due to irreconcilable differences and out-of-control spending

  4. Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo (46) divorces Lord of Tejada, Jaime de Marichalar (46) after 15 years of marriage

    Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo (46) divorces Lord of Tejada, Jaime de Marichalar (46) after 15 years of marriage

  5. Alexandre Bilodeau wins the gold medal in the freestyle skiing men's moguls event, becoming the first Canadian to win go

    Alexandre Bilodeau wins the gold medal in the freestyle skiing men's moguls event, becoming the first Canadian to win gold during an Olympic Games hosted in Canada

More from the 2000s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 7, 2009?
Bushfires in Australia are a widespread and regular occurrence that have contributed significantly to shaping the nature of the continent over millions of years. Eastern Australia is one of the most fire-prone regions of the world, and its predominant eucalyptus forests have evolved to thrive on the phenomenon of bushfire. However, the fires can cause significant property damage and loss of both human and animal life.
Why is Bushfires in Victoria leave 173 dead in the worst natural disaster in Austral... significant?
Bushfires in Australia are a widespread and regular occurrence that have contributed significantly to shaping the nature of the continent over millions of years.

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