Inferno

On February 7, 2009, 173 Victorians died in the worst bushfire disaster in Australian history. On Black Saturday, as the day became known, families were torn apart, countless homes and buildings reduced to rubble, 430,000 hectares torched, communities crushed and entire towns destroyed in an unstoppable sea of flames.

Written by veteran journalist Roger Franklin, Inferno is a classic blend of action, heartbreak, survival, love, and community.  The narrative brings to life individual tales of horror and heroism, recounts the devastation of Kinglake, Marysville and other besieged Victorian towns, and salutes the generosity and unyielding spirit of humanity on the state's darkest day.

There were failings, too, on a day of unprecedented tragedy.  Communication breakdowns, inadequate warning systems, bush left unburnt for years and lack of leadership were all factors when Victoria burned.