Mmmmm it’s just the beginning of the season. Without significant rain there will be much worse over the next 6 months,
Anyway Jeremy, your lot chopped down all the trees many centuries ago, but at least it rains there, well enough to make a nice carpet of grasses.
And IMho we should do sane - remove the risk of catastrophic fire by eliminating the fuel - gum trees - and replant with other species that do not pose this risk.
It’s time to stop dreaming of what the country once was - that’s disappearing and there’s no way back. Instead transform it into something sustainable, long-term. If we don’t, fires will achieve this randomly and indiscriminately and many won’t like the result. Better to recognise what has to happen and manage the change in a way that is socially acceptable.
Unfortunately many species are already doomed thanks to climate change, which cannot be undone.
The fire map does not seem to be updating and given the wind the fire must have grown. I am downwind of it here and according to the map it's very close to my old place.
The wind has not let up all night and all I can think is they must have it under control as with this wind it should be here by now. But the report said it was out of control...something does not seem right with the reporting ...I just now again looked at the map and it shows no change... there is no smoke at ground level here now but the sky is covered, the Sun looks like a gold coin.
I set up a fire pump and hoses yesterday but so far it won't start so that's my mission now.
Alex
My son is a volunteer Firefighter at Mt Tambourine, Qld. He done a 14 hr shift yesterday, he'll be doing the same today. Water is scarce they are filling the fire trucks from small dams and backyard pools. We are all wishing for rain and a cool change.
Looks like my old place may be gone ..the fire has been thru so there is little chance the house survived but I can't get confirmation as the road has been evacuated so news is impossible to nail down.
Anyways the good news is I don't feel sick.
The fire is headed towards the other house and the van with wind to pick up in an hour so it's going to be a fun packed day.
Alex
Mmmmm it’s just the beginning of the season. Without significant rain there will be much worse over the next 6 months,
Anyway Jeremy, your lot chopped down all the trees many centuries ago, but at least it rains there, well enough to make a nice carpet of grasses.
And IMho we should do sane - remove the risk of catastrophic fire by eliminating the fuel - gum trees - and replant with other species that do not pose this risk.
It’s time to stop dreaming of what the country once was - that’s disappearing and there’s no way back. Instead transform it into something sustainable, long-term. If we don’t, fires will achieve this randomly and indiscriminately and many won’t like the result. Better to recognise what has to happen and manage the change in a way that is socially acceptable.
Unfortunately many species are already doomed thanks to climate change, which cannot be undone.
Jesus Bloody Christ. Maybe think about the real causes, like ADANI, like stupid dogma driven politicians for your fires!!
This is the kind of thinking that led to brilliant ideas like, bringing rabbits and Foxes to Australia! It isn't just Queensland that's affected, (where ripping down forests and digging up coal in the name of "progress" is seen as a "good idea"); it's the whole damn planet that is being impacted.
There's a heat pulse coming out of Antarctica now that's going to make banana benders fry like you ain't seen it before. Cutting down what belongs here is sheer stupidity. You'll take out the entire Ecology of the country in the process. Is that a "Good Idea" as well.
Now let's stay calm. Everything will work out somehow.
So went to Casino got oil and plugs and happy days the pump is now working but the hose is not long enough ..I and trying to sort that now..wanted to buy another pump but the damn pump place was closed..of all times ..everyone would be buying something..they missed a grand from me that's for sure...and the fire pump for the house needs a fix...busy day.
Alex
Alex best of luck defending your properties. Perhaps the Pump saleman was doing the same. But pumps are only good if you have water to pump. Alot of properties, and small towns simply don't have water to fight fires. I saw a news report from the Tenerfield area, and the RFS was going around trying to fight fires with axes and shovels, they had no water. My son has some friends on a property outside of Tenterfield and the family has pulled back to town because there is nothing they can do. With this wind behind it you can't stop it.
Stay safe.
When I was over California visiting my Brother there, talk was they hate Eucalypts now!
Bigjoe.
Far out.. After hearing my whole life about invasive species ruining everything native to Australia, I now learn that an Australian species kicks butt overseas...
My Folks have remained in the family home behind the hills in Townsville for over 36 years. From the get go, we made sure to clear everything flammable away from the house, shed, and bore pump. Plenty of rainwater tanks (around 60K Litres), hoses/taps, keep the grass short and green, and the gutters empty. A Genset can run the bore when the power inevitably fails, with half the tank water located at the high point of the hill.
Once Dad got a cheap tractor we made firebreaks around the fenceline. Whilst they have great neighbours now, we long learned you can't rely on next door keeping their side clean.
I have never fought a fire with water..this will be a first..mostly I use a sheoak branch. It's like a military battle you attack the flanks only and only attack the weak points...folk attack the spots that are burning fiercely I say let them burn and attack when it dies down...and you just nibble away.
Haven't fixed the house pump ..it looks fine I think they just may not have primed the pump properly...anyways my workers quit and refuse to do any more work until tomorrow...still no news re the old place but looking at the map there is a chance it may have missed me but I am crashing at straws maybe.
Alex
News flash ..I let a lady live there or visit there and she says via my daughter that the house is still there.. and she and some bloke are trying to head off the fire. This is second hand news but the fire apparently did pass the house earlier but is now coming back to the house due to a wind change..she ducked up to save her dog it seems..I would go and help her but she is not talking to me...plus she would not take my orders...so what do you do...If it burns it burns if it doesn't well I have been worrying about nothing.
So now back to the van..I found an extention pipe that should bring the fire fighting hose into striking distance of the whole perimeter..so another great day sent to build ones character. My brother in laws house is under threat but it was so only months ago so when the fire gets close it won't have much fuel so he should be ok..
News flash ..I let a lady live there or visit there and she says via my daughter that the house is still there.. and she and some bloke are trying to head off the fire. This is second hand news but the fire apparently did pass the house earlier but is now coming back to the house due to a wind change..she ducked up to save her dog it seems..I would go and help her but she is not talking to me...plus she would not take my orders...so what do you do...
Not talking to you, not taking your orders, haha. Are you sure your not married to her?
My son is a volunteer Firefighter at Mt Tambourine, Qld. He done a 14 hr shift yesterday, he'll be doing the same today. Water is scarce they are filling the fire trucks from small dams and backyard pools. We are all wishing for rain and a cool change.
Martin
Hats off to the heros
Quote:
Originally Posted by el_draco
Jesus Bloody Christ. Maybe think about the real causes, like ADANI, like stupid dogma driven politicians for your fires!!
This is the kind of thinking that led to brilliant ideas like, bringing rabbits and Foxes to Australia! It isn't just Queensland that's affected, (where ripping down forests and digging up coal in the name of "progress" is seen as a "good idea"); it's the whole damn planet that is being impacted.
There's a heat pulse coming out of Antarctica now that's going to make banana benders fry like you ain't seen it before. Cutting down what belongs here is sheer stupidity. You'll take out the entire Ecology of the country in the process. Is that a "Good Idea" as well.
Baise Moi!
Isn't there a certain "Frog" that was introduced there to stop insects, the cane toad, only, too late they realised it couldn't CLIMB ??? and is so poisonous things that eat it die
Quote:
Originally Posted by xelasnave
I have never fought a fire with water..this will be a first..mostly I use a sheoak branch. It's like a military battle you attack the flanks only and only attack the weak points...folk attack the spots that are burning fiercely I say let them burn and attack when it dies down...and you just nibble away.
Haven't fixed the house pump ..it looks fine I think they just may not have primed the pump properly...anyways my workers quit and refuse to do any more work until tomorrow...still no news re the old place but looking at the map there is a chance it may have missed me but I am crashing at straws maybe.
Alex
I have been watching it on Facebook, we are so lucky here Terrible for all of you
"It’s time to stop dreaming of what the country once was - that’s disappearing and there’s no way back."
TERRIBLE, and SOOOOOOOOOO wrong in the eyes of the world.
The only country in the world with the most amazing animals, indigenous races and culture, wonderful seas, and great people, in MY opinion something worth fighting to preserve and REINSTATE at all costs
Well my lady "friend" had to abandon the house and bailed with the fire closing in..no one turned up to help. At the end of the road they found three fire trucks with the men having a beer..they pleaded for help and were refused.
She stayed up with my daughter and her mother at the main house here last night, ...lucky I called before I decided to up to the main house just now as it would have all been my fault.
Anyways she is going back up apparently to see if anything is left.
But I am very disappointed that these firefighters would not go up and all I can hope is they decided to go after all.
And before anyone says that it would have been dangerous for them it seems that is not the case as the fire had burnt out everything except for a " island" around my place and next door so access to it and the neighbours (which apparently did burn down) was along a road that had burnt.
It will be interesting to find out what has actually happened as news is so hard to work thru in these situations not withstanding social media stories grow and change.
I just have to accept whatever out come..And no this house was not insured because it could not be insured. I will feel loss because I built it with my own two hands and so was proud of it.
Knowing this lady however she will probably rebuild it even if she is not talking to me.
Alex
According to the map it's still coming this way.
Alex
It's still there, I can't believe it..it went around the house and went around a parked car so all I can't think is the fire guys must have gone up there cause there is no way otherwise.
Anyways back to work ... I have an extention that should help at the van and now have to get the house fire pump fixed and do everything re more clearing etc.
It has not jumped the river and if the wind stays down it should stay on the other side...such a relief it has bought us all to tears.
At least you won't have to worry about the house for a few years Alex, with all the nearby fuel gone. What a relief that it survived.
It's so wet down here that nothing could burn but it will be a different story by the end of summer - I still have the evacuation list hanging on the fridge from last season.
OK the house pump is filling the tanks so another step forward...now to put on the van pump extention and call it a day.
Alex
Been clearing fuel, the wind is now blowing a gale, I estimate 80 to 100 klms where the main house is on top of the hill.
I am beat but just have to keep going, but must rest now a d take my mind of things.
According to the Map it's gone thru my nephews property but I don't know if his house is ok cause we can't raise him on the phone.
So how you all going having a nice day I hope...crazy lady is up at the old place and has lost it so thank goodness she isn't talking to me..but ringing everyone.
Poor thing it must be so difficult for those with mental issues..
.tried to buy a McCloud tool but they were all gone so trying to dig a break with a madock hard work but you know if you don't panic and just chip away it is surprising what you can get done.
The fire jumped the road in one place and I do wonder if they back burn..I would have lit up the road in fact a little in and head it off.
I wonder do they back burn these days.
Still this fire is not as bad as 2002 that fire covered in a couple of hours what this one covered in a couple of days. I don't get it with this wind it should have been here yesterday.
And I am starting to think the smoke is cooling land and that's why the wind is getting so strong.
I think it has turned away from my brother in laws property but as I said the last fire came so close to him that I doubt there is much fuel around his place.
Anyways I seem to be over the dogs disease and feeling very cheerful.