Because of the sheer area and size of the fires involved, firefighters cannot possibly hope to protect all homes and properties. In Australia, it is considered the primary responsibility of the property owner to defend their own property from fire. Firefighters will do what they can to assist people, but people have the right and duty to defend their own homes from fire.
People are basically told to decide whether they are going to stay or go early. To stay if they decide to defend and get ready. To go, if they can’t defend their property. We don’t force people to evacuate. It’s their choice.
Many of those killed chose to stay. But these bushfires were far, far worse than most. You can defend your home against many fires, but some of these were overwhelming.
Some people probably made bad choices. Some people made the best choices they could, but this time, there were no good choices for them.
We do the same thing in Texas. When Hurricane Ike came through, during the last 48 hours, the state issued requests to people staying on Bolivar or Galveston Island to write their name and social security number on their arm with a permanent marker.
Thanks for replying, and do take care!
As for arsonists, I think they deserve the death penalty, or at least, rigorous imprisonment for life. What sort of maniacs are they? What are they trying to achieve? Anarchy or property after the landowners are dead?