Vic: Bushfire victims had no hope, commission told

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2009
Vic: Bushfire victims had no hope, commission told

The royal commission into Victoria's Black Saturday bushfires has been told victims
had no hope of anticipating the catastrophe because warnings on the day were insufficient.

The commission has begun its first official day of business with a directions hearing
in the Victorian County Court.

The court's heard the fire was too fast and too intense for people to reasonably decide
whether to stay or go.

In his opening address .. counsel assisting the commission .. JACK RUSH .. QC .. said
the inquiry will firstly examine the bushfire warning system and stay or go policy.

But he says any recommendations on the policy won't be completed in time for the interim
report in August or next summer's bushfire season.

AAP RTV cmb/kb/gfr/jmt

KEYWORD: TEAGUE (MELBOURNE)

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