ABSTRACT
The state, in its multilevel formation, is a key player in relation to wildfire events, in the preparation for, dealing with, and recovery from such events. Via state supported and promoted agencies, policy in relation to wildfire is formulated, elaborated and put into effect. These practices impact communities, where these events are experienced and dealt with in a myriad of ways. The state operates at different levels in relation to disaster events, organising and operating over space and time. A major and understandable challenge for governments and their agencies at all levels is to address the prospect of natural disaster and in this case the incidence and impacts of wildfire events. Communications professionals working in the area of wildfire safety in Australia face a difficult task. Communities as localities are locked into relations with emergency and disaster agencies in complicated and often misunderstood ways, with negative implications for effective communication.
