I don't think it helps anyone getting wound up about it, what happened 5 years ago was nothing but an absolute disaster whichever way you look at it. I think that things have definitely improved in regard to warnings etc since then, however it will never be a perfect world where every individual gets a warning message. I think it is much better to get a warning about a fire even if it was contained days ago because it makes you think about it, and maybe check to make sure it hasn't flared up again. I do agree with two things that 500Fool says 1/ every person must take responsibility for themselves,- try not to put themselves or loved ones in danger and 2/ yes, there was at least a weeks worth of warnings on the TV, radio etc where the premier at the time had press conferences warning people the coming weekend was going to be the worst on record, and for people to take all necessary precautions. gdr is quite right in saying if it get close get the hell out of there. John, even though you had the right intentions, it is a drama for emergency vehicles when private cars sometimes get in the way, and quite often people will panic causing all sorts of problems, the best thing is stay away when asked/told to. My ten cents worth, and yes, I have first hand experience, I was working on Black Saturday and had to deal with it all, trying to convince people to go when the fire was bearing down on their house and they stubbornly refused to go, rubberneckers trying to "just get a look mate ", people desperate to try and get to a particular house to attempt to rescue pets and cars, boats, bikes etc. not an experience I ever want to repeat and certainly made my admiration for the CFA even higher.
