Having worked on firegrounds in NSW in the 2000-01 season and then exactly the same area again in 2001-02 as fires burned through supposedly safe areas, the science of hazard reduction burns can be seen to be less than exact.
As we allow fuel loads to build up there is obviously an increased risk, but the history of out-of-control HRBs (Lancefield is just up the road to me and a mate lost his house) raises more questions than answers.
I also have a house at Dinner Plain which was well protected by high country cattle grazing. Now it needs regular slashing of the grass around the village, let alone the uncontrolled growth out in the surrounding area.