Wildfires are inevitable in the fire prone landscapes of Australia. Long dry periods, flammable vegetation and ignition from lightning or human causes ensure that wildfires will occur every year.

A wildfire is an unplanned fire and is also known as a bushfire. Wildfires have many causes, some natural, such as lighting and some as a result of human activity such as camp fires, escapes from planned burning operations, industrial activity such as timber harvesting, mining, farming and power transmission and some from deliberate arson. Every year the fire agencies are involved in over 2000 wildfire incidents.

An effective and coordinated approach to wildfire suppression and fire protection planning requires close liaison and working arrangements with all emergency and support services.

Fire control agencies undertake fire detection operations during the fire season.  This involves aircraft and fire towers used to detect and provide intelligence on fires. Fire agencies hold in readiness trained and experienced fire fighters, fire tankers, aircraft and specialist equipment to suppress wildfires when they occur.