Yes - not sure if it applies in this case, but it does happen here. They have also been known to prevent backburning that would create better firebreaks at times.
A lot of the scrub is inaccessible and a lot of it is state pine forest which is logged regularly.I'ts very hilly terrain,lots of gullys and valleys and we've had 40c and strong winds fanning the fires.
The local and interstate CFS has done a stirling job of bringing it under control though there are still many areas burning which cannot be accessed by anything other than water bomber aircraft.
In the last couple of hours it has started to bucket rain though the accompanying lightening could easily start more fires.
Most of the roads through there have been closed due to fallen and falling trees.One CFS unit and one police vehicle have already been flattened by falling trees...so far.
My hats off to the many CFS volunteers (local and interstate)and police out there in 40+ degrees rescuing homes,saving pets and stock (though many have perished) and fighting the fires.
One boarding kennel went up in flames and about half of the dogs and cats perished.
A terrible time but thank God for the rain today!