New spatial analyses of Australian wildfires highlight the need for new fire, resource, and conservation policies

Significance Discussions after significant fire-related losses of life, property, and vegetation are often conducted in the absence of nuanced debates about climate, land, and resource management policy. Here we present the results of new spatial and temporal analyses of widespread current and previous fires in the Australian state of Victoria that highlight the need for major changes in policies associated with fire and land management. We found compelling evidence to support policy reforms that aim to reduce megafires, alter the mode of forest management, target the protection of key natural assets including unburnt areas, manage repeatedly damaged and potentially collapsed ecosystems, and expand the conservation estate. Our approach should have wide applicability to other jurisdictions confronting threats from widespread, recurrent wildfires.