I don't buy that about controlled burns towie as you must appreciate from the above. Firebreaks also are not the only answer but they are much better than controlled burns and they have far fewer nasty side-effects.
Bushfires have been measured at over 3000 degrees so once they get started they can ignite the bush ahead many tens of metres. That's why wide firebreaks around housing estates are essential. Just burning off the undergrowth is useless yet I bet there are screams for more burning as usual after a bushfire. You have to get the area clear and keep it slashed - 50 metres at least around housing.
