So, what did we learn from these devastating fires that can help us be better prepared with the increasing likelihood of more wild fires in NZ?
Urban residents were much less aware of the risk of wildfire to their communities than rural residetns, and as a consequence very few had not taken any measures to prepare themselves, their property or their pets/livestock. Therfore, it took them, on average one hour to evacuate.
Clearly that is a key area for the future - to raise awareness and preparedness for wildfires.
Interesting also, was the number of household respondents who chose to stay and protect their property until instructed to evacuate.
The study also looked in to the immediacy, frequency and intensity of warnings and highlights the need for improvement of the official warning procedures.
Furthermore concerns about the lack of support for people with disabilities during the evacuation stage, the management of livestock in the evacuation areas and the fact that curious members of the public blocked some of the evacuation routes.
Read the full report here
Project Sponsor: Steve Turek, National Manager - Community Readiness & Recovery
daniel.nilsson@canterbury.ac.nz
