AbstractThis paper describes a survey which was undertaken to ascertain those features of house design and construction which were important to the survival of house in the ‘Ash Wednesday Bushfires’ of 16 February 1983. The Otway Ranges are of Victoria was chosen and 1153 house, with varying degrees of damage, were included in the survey. Results of a preliminary analysis of data collected are given, together with observations made concerning the so‐called ‘exploding house’ phenomenon, the role of wind and the part that people played in house survival. Evidence for the ways that houses were ignited (i.e. by radiation, flame contact and wind‐blown embers) was also gathered. The importance of these ignition modes is discussed and examples given. Preliminary observations on the rebuilding process are