The Latest Breaking News from Black Summer

Despite years of rain, Blue Mountains forests still haven’t recovered from the Black Summer megafires

For three years before the Black Summer megafires of 2019–20, cool season rainfall in southeastern Australia was only half that of normal. When fires broke out, intensely dry conditions helped them spread through areas typically resistant to burning, such as wetlands and rainforests.

The Conversation · Sep 1

What Europe can learn from Australia's 'Black Summer' wildfires

Australians share their hard-earned wildfire strategies with Europe, which is grappling with severe blazes. Effective preparation and hazard mitigation are crucial for managing such extreme fire scenarios. It is important to resist complacency, given the shifting weather patterns. Open dialogue with communities is essential during crisis situations. Addressing climate change…

The Economic Times · Aug 3

Flash droughts pull ‘alarming’ amounts of moisture from the landscape and intensify wildfires: new research

When catastrophic wildfires capture global headlines, such as the unprecedented blazes sweeping through southern Europe this summer or the devastating 2019–20 “Black Summer” in Australia, they are almost always preceded by severe drought. Dry vegetation and parched landscapes are necessary ingredients for infernos.

The Conversation · Jul 29

Bushfire peril as heatwave advances across the nation

Bushfires have ignited on the first day of some of the worst heatwave conditions since Black Summer and authorities warn more is to come.

AAP · Jan 6

Australians feel the heat as bushfire threat flares up

Authorities are warning people to be on high alert as several states prepare for intense heatwave conditions not seen since the Black Summer bushfires.

AAP · Jan 5

Alarm sounds on ignoring deadly climate workplace risks

Climate change puts workers at huge risk, politicians have been told by nurses that treated mass thunderstorm asthma and firies who tackled Black Summer blazes.

AAP · Nov 4, 2025

Abnormally hot days may hit Australia’s south-east after rare sudden warming over Antarctica

Phenomenon extremely unusual in southern hemisphere and last occurred in 2019 when it contributed to worsening of black summer bushfires

The Guardian - AU · Sep 26, 2025

New research shows Black Summer’s megafires left lasting scars far beyond property damage

Beginning in the second half of 2019, what we now know as the Black Summer fires began devastating eastern Australia.

The Conversation · Sep 21, 2025

Why AI-powered cameras are watching Australian forests

Artificial intelligence technology will be deployed in more Australian forests in an investment inspired by the devastating Black Summer bushfires.

AAP · Sep 19, 2025

US firefighters' widows sue over 'tragic' plane crash

The widows of two American airmen killed in a plane crash during the Black Summer bushfires have accused fire authorities of negligence and are seeking damages.

AAP · Jul 1, 2025