THE SCIENCE OF COMBUSTION AND FIRE-ADAPTED VEGETATION Colleague Danielle Clode. The discussion turns to the science of combustion, focusing on fire-adapted vegetation like Eucalyptus and Mountain Ash, which rely on fierce fires and sunlight to regenerate. Clode addresses common misconceptions about ignition, stating that while arson accounts for some fires, natural causes like lightning and accidental faults often produce more dangerous blazes. She also warns that during drought conditions, even plants considered fire-resistant, such as Pittosporum, become fuel, emphasizing the need for managing undergrowth. Finally, Clode outlines the evolution of Australian fire brigades, which began as insurance-run town units before expanding into the massive volunteer networks essential for protecting rural communities. NUMBER 2