New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has rejected claims that more could have been done to prevent the fires burning across the south-east of the state and the ACT.Some New South Wales Opposition MPs have attacked the Government over the National Parks and Wildlife Service's fire management practices, claiming that insufficient hazard reduction burning has been carried out, particularly in the Kosciuszko National Park.
But Mr Carr says such claims fail to take into account the unique weather pattern over the past 12 months.
"These fires have been caused by the worst drought in 100 years, these are the hottest, driest conditions we've had in 100 years," he said.
"Months of drought and they've produced these fire circumstances.
"When it comes to Kosciuszko, you've seen fire burn through alpine meadows and rainforests, which in the past have acted as natural fire breaks."
By Global Warming 20 Jan 03
SKIPPY: There is always more that can be done!
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WARNING BELLS FOR AUSTRALIA!
Is this a message from the Universe? Australia is prepared for war with Iraq, but not prepared for fire on home soil. Canberra is still counting the cost of Saturday's devastating fires and preparing for another onslaught if conditions worsen during the week.
