Most NSW homes destroyed in black summer bushfires were within 100 metres of vegetation

House on the NSW north coast destroyed by bushfire in 2019. Research has found 94% of homes destroyed in the black summer fires were within the 100m buffer zone to identify at-risk properties. Photograph: Christine Tondorf/The Guardian

Almost every home destroyed in New South Wales during the black summer bushfires of 2019-20 was inside the 100 metre buffer zone used to identify properties most at risk, new research has found.

The findings are an endorsement of the risk maps used by authorities, but the research warns that as global heating generates ever-worsening fire conditions, firefighters may have to extend the recommended distances between homes and vegetation to keep properties safe.