Dobsonians aren't fireproof

[niko]

Patrick (Paddy from here) e-mailed me the other day to let me know about a fire in the road my block of land is on.

Yep, you guessed it - the 54 hectare fire went through my place like a dose of salts - everything gone.

The dob was in the one of the cottages I had built.

Here it is after the fire has passed and it's mirror. Also what is lwft of the cottage it was in.

Fortunately no loss of life or livestock but the big bummer is I cancelled the insurance a few months ago because I couldn't afford it.

The fire was apparently started by a neighbour burning off a few weeds on a total fire ban day - thanks idiot.

niko

[erick]

Groan! That's a sad demise. :sadeyes:

[MikeyB]

I suggest you talk to a lawyer about sueing the idiot neighbour. That's what your insurance company would be doing if you still had insurance. The neighbour might even carry Public Liability insurance cover that will payout any such claims - don't give up until you've explored all the options with a lawyer who knows the ropes.

[asimov]

As Michael said. Sorry for your loss Niko.

[Forgey]

Sorry to hear that niko:( but glad your ok.

[midnight]

You must be gutted by that Niko - I know I would. Very sorry to hear that news. Do explore the options such as the official cause of the fire to see if there is any recourse you may be entitled to or challenge.

Good luck!

Darrin...

[h0ughy]

i feel your loss. glad you and your family are ok. i suppose a few words and presenting a bill to the farmer

[RickS]

That's terrible, Niko, but I suppose it could have been much worse. I hope there is an opportunity to recoup some of your losses.

[TheAstroChannel]

I would be furious at that neighbour! Glad you're ok though. :)

[dmizen]

mickeyb is correct the laws in relation to escaping fire are quite stringent suggest also talking to the local police to see if there were charges laid if they were you should monitor there progress if the prosecution is successful it may be difficult for the fire starter to avoid civil liability see a lawyer who specialises in property damage

dcm

[danielsun]

Oh no, that's a real bummer Niko. I would definitely be paying him a visit with a bill in hand!! :mad2:

[barx1963]

Sorry to hear about that Niko. Just glad no one was hurt!
Cannot believe that some one would be so stupid as burining of in the weather we are having:mad2:

Malcolm

[niko]

thanks everyone. I've started making a list of everything that was lost - it adds up so quickly when you start to think about it all.

I was feeling okay yesterday but feel a but bummed today and then kind of selfish for feeling like that because others have lost so much more in recent years.

[mental4astro]

How devastating, Niko :sadeyes:. And how flabbergasting it is that a neighbour could be so stupid :shrug: .

I cannot imagine how gut wrenching it must feel for you right now. I feel sorry and sad for your situation, and the many others who have lost their pocessions to fire.

Alex.

[CapturingTheNight]

So sorry to hear that Niko. I hope you can get back on your feet soon.

[louie_the_fly]

Sorry to read about your loss niko. Maybe a call to this mob tomorrow is in order. http://www.disasterlegalhelp.org.au/

Living in a bushfire area myself, it always astounds me that people burn,or do other activities, on fire ban days. The number of fires that get out of control and damage property is amazing.

Good luck.

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: oh noooooooo Niko ( hugs ) hope you get some reimbursement out of this Niko :mad2:

[Larryp]

That's terrible, Niko! :(

[mozzie]

and another idiot starts a fire on a total fire ban...what do you have to do...
so sorry for your lose niko but at least you and your family are safe the most important thing of all !!!!!!!!!!!!!
and just what do you say to your neighbour he's probably gut wrenched..

[rogerg]

Very sorry for your loss niko .. Hope you manage to rebuild one way or another.

[mishku]

I'm so sorry, Niko, but glad you guys are ok!

Hopefully you get reimbursement and can recoup and rebuild, bigger and better. Thoughts are with you, buddy

M

[Paddy]

I can well imagine that it takes a little while to sink in. As I said on the phone, if you need a dob to look though when you're up here, don't hesitate to call!

[scagman]

Sorry to hear about your lose Niko. Hope you can recoup some if not all of your loses.

Cheers.

[iceman]

Glad you're ok, but sorry to hear about the loss of your gear.

The neighbour surely would feel some responsibility and offer to pay.

[Ric]

I'm sorry to hear about your scope Niko.

If it's proved that the neighbour was responsible for the fire then I'm sure you should be able to claim against their insurance for compensation.

[taminga16]

Hi Nico,
Establish the name of the attending Police Officer is and do not let him up until YOU are satisfied and if you are not contact the Officer in Charge at C/maine and hustle him/her. I will endeavour to monitor the local papers (you may request that Paddy do the same) and keep you informed of pending actions.
This is a nonsense.
Greg.

[traveller]

Just read this sorry for your loss Nico. As others said it could have been worse. And best wishes in getting fair compensation from your idiot neighbour. Bo

[stephenb]

Sorry for your loss of property Niko, but I would suggest your only avenue of "compensation" (no my words) is through civil action. In the end you were not insured and I doubt the insurance company will not assist at all with this.

[niko]

Thanks Bo and Greg.

Greg, I am in contact with the police, seems he will be charged in the next fortnight when the copper handling the case is back from leave though I know that he has already been interviewed.

Have spent the last two days seeking legal advice and adding up costs and consoling the neighbours who were there when it happened.

It is nonsense. He was warned 6 weeks ago to stop lighting fires and obviously ignored the CFA advice. He will face serious criminal charges, as he should

[byronpaul]

Niko,

that's no good mate. These fires take no mercy.

Was the dob the one you got from me a few years ago? She was a beauty.

Very glad to hear you and your wife weren't present when the fires went through.

Paul

[TechnoViking]

Hi Niko, that really sad what has happened. But its great news that you and your family are ok!

I hope this guy who started the fire gets his just desserts!

all the best, and i hope everything pans out OK!

[niko]

Thanks James.

Yep, Paul, that was the one

Very sad to see it go, ESP as I had just got to grips with barrows and dslr and was looking forward to doing some moon work with it