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13/01/1939 Black Friday

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Disastrous Australian Bush Fire (1939)

The Black Friday bushfires in Victoria, Australia, were among the worst wildfires in the world. Almost 20,000 km² of land was burned, 71 people died, several towns were entirely obliterated and the Royal Commission that resulted from it led to major changes in forest management. Over 1,300 homes and 69 sawmills were burned, and 3,700 buildings were destroyed. It was calculated that three-quarters of the State of Victoria was directly or indirectly affected by the disaster. The Royal Commission noted that "it appeared the whole State was alight on Friday, 13 January 1939".