Victoria seeks answers on preventing bushfires in changing conditions

The Lancefield fire, the worst of more than 200 fires in Victoria over the past week, spread from a controlled burn-off that breached containment lines

Victoria has to learn painful bushfire lessons every year but the unusual nature of the latest fires that have broken out in the state is providing authorities with much to think about before summer even arrives.

More than 200 fires have charred parts of Victoria over the past week, but it's the circumstances of one of the most destructive fires that has prompted the state government to look for fresh answers in how to prevent future outbreaks.