There has been high global media coverage of this natural disaster and also speculation on the possible role of climate change in causing the fires. However, on investigation, it appears that these fires may have been started in several different ways. Possibilities include arsonists, accidents, fallen power lines, lightning or other natural causes. While climate change may not be responsible for starting the fires, it may, however, have played some part. A further investigation of the history of fires and fire weather over the last hundred years may provide evidence to support this claim.