Rachel was a 34-year-old teacher whose house was destroyed in the 2009 Toodyay fires in Western Australia. She received emergency accommodation and counseling from The Salvation Army. Rachel then contacted her insurance agency and the fire department to assess damages and collect salvageable items. Her insurance company arranged short-term housing while they rebuilt her home. Rachel worked with the Toodyay Land Conservation Committee to regenerate the native plants on her land by fencing it and allowing seeds to germinate after the fire subsided.

1. Fire RecoveryCase Study

2. Case StudyRachel is 34 year old teacher who owns a house on a 1500m² block in Toodyay, Western Australia. Unfortunately her house was destroyed in December during the 2009 Toodyay fires. This presentation explains how Rachel was able to rebuild her home and natural environment after the event of a fire.

3. How Rachel was able to recover from the shock of fireRachel was very upset after the fire so she called The Salvation Army who provided her with:Emergency accommodationCounselling and support services

4. The first steps to Rachel rebuilding her homeFirst Rachel had to contact her insurance agency to let them know about the damages to her propertyThen Rachel had to contact the Fire Department to see if it was safe for her to return to her home to collect some essential items such as:Credit cardsPassportValuables MedicationsCar keys

5. The final steps to Rachel rebuilding her homeRachel collected the items that were not completely destroyed and then she secured her house the best she could to prevent:TheftFurther damage due to weatherVandalismRachel then had to wait for her insurance company to perform the appropriate assessments so that they could begin to rebuild her homeIn the meantime Rachel’s insurance company supplied her with short-term accommodation

6. The first steps to Rachel rebuilding her natural environmentRachel’s land consisted of a range of native plants including:Fox tail mulga grassFlowering shrubsSmall eucalyptus treesRachel called the Toodyay Land Conservation Committee to find out the best way to regrow these plants.

7. The final steps to Rachel rebuilding her natural environmentThe Toodyay Land Conservation Committee gave Rachel the following information:After a fire, plant seeds are exposed to more light and nutrients and therefore most Australian vegetation successfully regerminate.That as soon as the plants begin grow, that native wildlife would also return.To put a fence up around her property to prevent foxes and cats from preying on vulnerable wildlife immediately after the fire.

8. List of ReferencesDepartment of Sustainability and Environment. (2011). The effect of fire on the Australian natural environment. Retrieved 22 April, from http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/nrenfoe.nsf/LinkView/BCD05FC2B70E4C84CA25757A007FA7A943B88B001CE47BABCA257687007F5C50New South Wales Fire Brigades. (2009). After the fire: What to do next? Retrieved 21 April, from http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/gallery/files/pdf/brochures/recovery_kit.pdf Toodyay Land Conservation District Committee. Toodyay Shire local and regional native plants for revegetation of your garden. Retrieved 22 April, from http://www.toodyaylandcare.org.au/gardenplants.htm