Australia has a long history of bushfires that predates white settlement . Scientists say that , despite shallow records , bushfire seasons are getting longer . Firefighters are reporting that fires are becoming larger and more aggressive . With indigenous people no longer part of the forest management equation , some scientists argue the fuel load that builds up from Australia 's notoriously combustible vegetation is now one aspect that needs to be addressed . The Australian government is trying to get people to stop burning their land for firewood by offering incentives like free fuel vouchers or grants to help them build new homes in the bush.
Australia has a long history of bushfires that predates white settlement . Scientists say that , despite shallow records , bushfire seasons are getting longer . Firefighters are reporting that fires are becoming larger and more aggressive . The Australian government is trying to get people to stop burning their land for firewood by offering incentives like free fuel vouchers or grants to help them build new homes in the bush.