Between bushfire risk and love of environment: preparedness, precariousness and survival in the narratives of urban fringe dwellers in Australia

Abstract

Many Australians live in attractive urban-fringe and semi-rural environments which are said to be places that promote health and well-being. Yet, each summer, these residents are asked by authorities to prepare for episodic, intensely unpredictable bushfire emergency. In 2012/2013, we interviewed 17 people who lived on the rural fringe of Melbourne to gain insights into how people are able to feel secure whilst residing in bushfire risk environments. Our findings highlight the deep attachment that people have to place, the importance of learning from past experiences, recognition that any preparation has limitations, and the need to recognise one’s own limitations when confronted with fire. With reference to the bushfire preparedness narratives told in the interviews, we discuss the precariousness of living in a place that is seen as healthy and dangerous. The argument we develop furnishes insight into how individuals and families deal with the intensity and complexity of bushfire risk and more generally how they are taking on the emerging rationalities of disaster preparedness as a mode of risk management for survival. Such insights support policy makers to tailor advice that recognises the complexity of people’s understanding of fire risk.

Keywords:

• bushfire
• preparedness
• uncertainty
• risk
• narrative

Notes

1. http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/fm_files/attachments/plan_and_prepare/frk_2013/4713_CFA_Pullout_LEAVING_web.pdf

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Monash University School of Social Sciences.