94% of Black Summer NSW homes burned within 100 metres of trees
Research confirms 94% of destroyed NSW homes sat less than 100m from vegetation but warns the distance may need to extend.
New research published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire confirmed that 94% of the 2,475 homes lost in NSW during the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires were less than 100 metres from flammable vegetation.
The finding backs the authority's 100-metre buffer zone used to identify high-risk properties and guide building standards. Research warns of a looming problem.
During extreme or catastrophic fire conditions, homes further away than 100 metres also burned. As climate change intensifies fire danger, that 100-metre rule may become too short to keep homes safe.
The NSW Rural Fire Service says the findings show homes in high-risk areas must be built to stronger fire-resistant standards.
- 2,475
- NSW homes destroyed
- 94%
- Homes within 100m buffer
- 3,000+
- Total Australian homes lost
- 33
- Lives lost
Why it mattersIf safe distances must extend further, many more homes near bush areas will need major upgrades or protection measures.
AustraliaAffects NSW homeowners in bushfire-prone zones and guides how councils approve new homes and renovations near vegetation.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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