The truth about Australia's fires — arsonists aren't responsible for many this season

The world has been shocked by the scenes of devastation as the unprecedented destruction of Australia's horror bushfire season rages on.

A firefighting helicopter tackling a bushfire
in Victoria's East Gippsland region.

And, one big question has appeared in the headlines of late, here and internationally: how much is arson to blame?

While firebugs remain a legitimate and serious threat, they're responsible for about 1 per cent of the more than 5.2 million hectares that have been burned in NSW this season.

It's a similar story in other states.

Read the ABC News story - “The truth about Australia's fires — arsonists aren't responsible for many this season.”