Black Summer bushfire inquiry hears of need for defensive strategy when back-burns unviable

An independent expert told the inquiry that executing the back-burn in such dire conditions was not likely to work. (ABC News: Tom Lowrey)

A "dangerous" back-burn carried out on the eve of a catastrophic fire day was unlikely to protect coastal communities from an out-of-control bushfire, an inquest has heard.

On New Year's Eve 2019 the Currowan bushfire jumped the Princes Highway and impacted the eastern communities of Conjola, Sussex inlet, Yatte Yattah and Fishermans Paradise.