Forest fires in South Australia on 16 February 1983 and consequent future forest management aims

Summary

The forest fires which occurred in South Australia on 16 February 1983 destroyed some 21 000 ha of pine plantations. This was the most extensive series of plantation fires ever recorded in Australia. The fires are discussed, together with the areas affected, the spread patterns of the fires, the weather conditions, some aspects of the fire behaviour, and the damage that resulted. In addition, the subsequent salvage operations are briefly outlined and some of the future management aims are discussed.