Progress Made Against Australian Bushfires

As a person who used to live in the region (my parents still do), I have heard many reports that there was nothing the people who got caught up in the fires could do, and not enough updated communication to people in the area. My mum rang the emergency service during the day asking where the fire was because the farm was covered in black smoke, only to get a response that they had it under control and not to worry. Later that day people died as the fire raged out of control. Progress?????? Progress would be trying to better their communication systems. Also look at who is in charge of these areas and are they competent.