Melbourne is served by both the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Melbourne's summer heat means it is often beset by fire, and sometimes it can be massive and tragic - for example Ash Wednesday (1983, 180 fires, 47 dead including 14 CFA, 8000 evacuated) and Black Saturday (2009, over 400 fires, 173 dead).

Australia has an excellent fire warning system, with the national broadcaster getting in on the action - on high fire warning days if you do not feel comfortable fighting fires, you should move to town for the day. Come stay at mine, I've got space for a few people.