The Black Saturday fires were a series of bush-fires that were burning in the state of Victoria in Australia on Saturday, 7 February 2009. This day had the worst bush-fire-weather conditions ever recorded. Extreme heat, high winds, low humidity, and severe drought were all factors in fanning the flames on that tragic day. These fires also caused the greatest loss of life for a bush fire and wiped whole towns off the map. On a global scale, this was the world’s worst fire event. It was the equivalent of 400 Hiroshima style atom bombs going off.
Heat
Immediately preceding Black Saturday there were consecutive days of extreme temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius (115 °F). This heat wave was the worst in Victoria’s history.
Drought
Heat
Immediately preceding Black Saturday there were consecutive days of extreme temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius (115 °F). This heat wave was the worst in Victoria’s history.
Drought