On 7 February 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires swept across Victoria, claiming 173 lives, destroying more than 2,000 homes and killing one million animals in what became Australia's deadliest bushfire disaster. Seventeen years later, communities, emergency services and survivors gather annually to commemorate those lost and honour the thousands of firefighters and volunteers who risked their lives. Recent bushfires in Victoria, including a blaze last month that burnt 350,000 hectares, raise questions about whether Australia has learnt from its past.

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