Killed by state greenery

Bishop Hill has a shocking exposure of how local government in the fire-hit regions of Australia prevented locals from taking actions that would have reduced the risk to their properties and lives.

However, a word of caution. There will be many contributing factors (amongst which the weather is the most obvious). The locals may also have been responsible for exacerbating their risk. Mulch is typically bark or other woody, high-CV, combustible material, and apparently they've been spreading it like mad in the area.

But regardless of how many other factors are involved, that should not diminish the culpability of civil servants who prevented routine safety measures in fire-prone areas.