Its now been a week since the start of the Victorian bush fires here in Australia. Last
Saturday was forecast to be a scorcher of a day. Gale force winds and the heat made it
extremely uncomfortable to be outside; and a day where fire risk was at an all time extreme
high. I remember hearing about fires that had started and was concerned, but never in a
million years did I think it would elevate to the devastation that evolved. The temperature
got to 47.4 degrees c which was a record for any Australian city. The latest stats are that
1831 homes have been lost, and 181 lives were taken, and still more than a 100 still
missing, all because some idiots decide to start a fire. I tend to take this very serious as
I have a son and son inlaw that are both with the CFA (Country fire authority) These guys
are all heroes in my eyes, as they take their own lifes in their hands everytime they go out
to a fire. To those who dont live in Australia, most of these guys that are fighting the
fires are volunteers and dont get paid for their effort. Victoria is one of the smallest
states in Australia, about the size of Britain, when I came here from Scotland in 1996 it
was a wonderful place and very Lush and green. Now because of the worst drought we have
experienced in about 100 years, our water catchments are now down to about 32% capacity. So
we are all careful of how we use our water. Now for some good news, as we speak someone has
been charged with staring 1 of the fires that killed 21 people. Read more about it at this
link:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/indepth/0,,5018723,00.htmlMore good news is that the Australian public have opened their hearts and wallets and raised
more than $100 million through the Red cross appeal, go Aussies go that is awesome. As we
speak there is still about 30 fires still going and hopefully they will get them under
control soon. We now have firefighters coming from all over the world including America and
Canada. I live in Melbourne which is about 1/2 an hour away from the Town of Kinglake that
was raised to the ground last saturday, we can still smell the smoke and its very hazy all
over the city. The fire raced through that town at a rate of knots because of the gale
forced winds and just wiped it out. It was a lovely little town that I did some work in a
few years ago as a buiding contractor. This is just a little insight into whats going on
with bush fires, and I will update you with any new news. Keep your thoughts and prayers
with those who have lost someone, and those brave men and woman who are trying to contain
the devastation that has happened here in the Garden State of Victoria.
Peacefulguy
