What do urban designers have to say about the Victorian fires?

February 2009 in Victoria has been one of those months. The traditional hot weather went feral, with temperatures as high as 47OC. The fires also went feral and, slowly, the devastation emerged through the smoke: 210+ people dead, 2,000+ buildings, uncounted wildlife, 500,000+ hectares of countryside. It is one of those times when everyone knows people who are directly affected: friends who have lost their houses, but were very lucky to escape the speed and scale of the fires, some were not so lucky. The fires burn on, but most are partly under control and not threatening lives. The generosity and heroism comes to the fore. But the trauma and dislocation continues, and there are diverse responses to this disturbing situation. So, what can urban designers do? Send your ideas to wchandler@bigpond.com