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Summary
Results from a detailed study of the bushfire on 16 February 1983 at Mount Macedon, Victoria, suggest that able-bodied residents who are threatened by a bushfire should remain in their houses. Their chances of surviving are excellent, and 90 per cent can expect to save their houses. Evacuation is a potentially more perilous alternative for residents, and about 44 per cent of those who flee might expect to lose their houses. Provision should however be made to evacuate disabled or infirm persons and the residents of houses that are surrounded by exceptionally high fuel loads.
The most important causes of house destruction were found to be fires originating in roofs, or in nearby structures such as garden sheds.
