ASH WEDNESDAY IS TERR0R

• 47 people were killed, 2,800 homes destroyed and 210,000 hectares burnt when more than 100 fires started on February 16, 1983, which became known as Ash Wednesday.
  
  Most fires were sparked by arson or by powerlines clashing in the high winds.
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  In South Australia, 28 people were killed, 383 homes destroyed and 21,000 hectares burnt on the same day.
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  The total damage bill was estimated at $200 million in each state.
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  Most loss of life and property occurred in the hour after the southwesterly wind change late in the day.
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  More than 16,000 firefighters, 1,000 police and 500 army personnel battled the fires.
• Up to 400 vehicles, including fire trucks, water tankers and bulldozers, 11 helicopters and 14 fixed-wing aircraft, were used to battle the fires.