Urgent home upgrades needed to prevent $181bn Aus bushfire toll

A report from the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action group has warned against underestimating the risks of LA-style fires occurring in Australia. Picture: Brandon Bell/Getty Images North America. Bushfires are set to cost Australia a massive $181bn across the next three decades unless drastic action is taken to protect homes and cut fire risks such as climate pollution, a group led by former emergency service chiefs warn. Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELFCA) is calling on state and federal governments to fund a national fire-ready plan to help save lives and billions of dollars, while cutting climate pollution, in a report released on Thursday. A key report recommendation is to fund to help homeowners retrofit at-risk dwellings to meet national bushfire standards. RELATED: Millions of Aussie homes at risk of LA-style firestorm, experts warn Bushfires, floods — where some Aussies may not be able to insure against disasters Huge Frankston block with fire-damaged house for sale The Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, a group of former emergency service chiefs from across Australia, was founded by the former NSW fire chief Greg Mullins. Picture: Richard Dobson. Bushfires ne...