Project Leaders - John Handmer, RMIT & Alan Rhodes, CFA

The position advocated by the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC), known as the Stay and defend or-Go early policy, is a fundamental component of community bushfire safety. Essentially the policy contends that people should prepare themselves and their properties and decide whether to stay and defend when a bushfire is likely, or leave the area well before the fire is likely to arrive. The research in this project  involves case studies of recent fires where there were significant issues surrounding evacuation or staying or where the policy has worked well. Case studies are being compiled from Australia and overseas.

The Stay or Go research is investigating impediments to full implementation of the policy and examine ways of integrating the policy with other important factors in bushfire risk management. The project is collating and analysing current practices in the context of their legal, organisational, emergency planning and other issues across Australia, with the intent of developing strategies for the agencies to better implement the policy.

Project Leader: Prof John Handmer, RMIT, Ph: (03) 9925 2307
Alan Rhodes, CFA, Ph: (03) 9262 8401