A Day Of Devastation

[Tamtarn]

Yesterday was a day of devastation here in the Yarra Valley area.

Although we are 16Kms from the fires it was an unbelievable sight. The temp was approx 45degrees accompanied by a howling north wind.

The fires travelled so quickly that residents had no time to prepare and activate their fire plans.
The fire at Kilmore East swept 50Kms through Wandong the outskirts of Whittlesea on to Kinglake which turned into a hell fire. The town is basically destroyed and there have been some fatalities and many people badly burned.

The sky was filled with orange and black plumes of smoke which shortly blocked the red fireball which was the sun. Burnt leaves and bark were falling from the sky on to our property luckily they were not hot as they had probably blown 20-30kms.

The fire then spotted to Yarra Glen and Healesville. At approx 7.30pm the cool change arrived with even more horrific wind from the South West. We stood at the front of our property looking at the ranges across the valley. Dark orange and black smoke swirling kilometers into the sky thunder overhead lightning strikes at the back of the mountains we knew this meant more fires.

After approx half an hour the smoke had cleared and we could then see the huge red glow coming from behind the mountains.

We stayed up until about 3.30am and the temperature had dropped to 23degrees and things were calm once again.

This morning we hear that the townships of Taggerty and Narbethong are gone and 80% of Marysville. Reports that 25 people have been confirmed dead at this stage and over 100 homes have been destroyed across Victoria these figures are expected to rise.

As mentioned we were quit a distance from the fires and it was terrifying to watch we can't imagine what the people in the line of fire went through it must have been horrific.

This morning it is cool and calm but there are still fires out of control in the area. We hope the extraordinary firefighters can get things under control over the next few days.

Our thoughts go out to all who have lost loved ones and property.

Barb and David

[iceman]

I've been watching the news reports all morning - just devastating.

Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by these terrible fires.

Thanks for your report, Barb and Dave. I'm glad to hear you're ok.

[JethroB76]

Unbelievable scenes and a shocking loss of life.

All this and we still have people deliberately lighting fires

[rogerg]

It is devastating. I just read the news about it, had no idea it was happenning until then. Really sad. So many houses, businesses and lives :(

[renormalised]

Yes, unbelievable.

These idiots that are lighting fires....if their actions in any way contributed to the deaths of people, I would like to see them get charged with murder and thrown in jail for life.

[Hagar]

Yes the situation is dire for Victoria. Living in Mt beauty now for about 12 years I have seen the entire area burn in both 2003 and 2006 and again now we have fires burning in the Alpine National Park above the town and in the Kancoona area behind the town.
The ash and burnt leaves and bark falling from the sky is a grim reminder of the devestation areas like Kinglake are going through at the moment. The temprature here has already past the 35 degree mark with little prospects of the tempratures dropping.

My heart goes out to the communities devastated in these fires and to the families who have lost everything and in some cases everyone they love.

Hopefully therain reported as falling over the Ballarat area will extend over the state and assist our hero fire fighters.

We must also remember the plight of the communities in Northern Queensland who are under flood conditions at the moment.

[RB]

Barb and David, our thoughts are with you and with all who are affected.
Glad to hear you are safe, please take care.

I just can't fathom the mentality of people who go around doing this deliberately.
We too have a major fire burning in the area.

Our thoughts also to all affected by floods in North Queensland.

:(

[gary]

Hi Barb & David,

Thanks for the first-hand report after what has clearly been a long night for you.

We've been closely watching developments in Victoria over the last 24 hours
and it is tragic & devastating to see what has transpired. Such large loss of
life has come as a shock to us all.

Good luck to all those around the country facing the threat of fire today.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai, NSW

[gary]

Hi Andrew,

How are you going up your way and has the Peats Ridge fire posed any
direct problem for you?

Best regards

Gary

[Stuart78]

We are in the Gippsland area, have been up all night defending inlaws property it got within a couple of k's i have never seen anything like it in my lifetime, Traralgon south and areas in callignee which i was also assisting in last night have been devastated, worst thing i have haver seen, they are still finding loss of life in these areas also this morning, my heart goes out to their families and loved ones...







Stuart...

[RB]

Gary, we could hear helicopters yesterday afternoon in the distance.
We're keeping an eye on reports and we're not in any immediate danger but as you know things can change so fast.

It was just so shocking to hear how many lives where lost in the other fires.

Our firefighters do such a magnificent job though, true heroes indeed.

Hope all is well with you as well.

[Quark]

This is apocalyptic in nature, sad and devastating don't quite cut it.

The loss of life, that will surely increase, the loss of property, lives destroyed. Whole families, whole communities.

All Australians feel this, our prayers are for all involved, those fighting the fires, rescuing the victims and treating the injured.

A very sad day for all Australians.

Deepest sympathy and regards to all affected.
Trevor

[Ric]

Hi Barb & Dave glad to hear you are both safe.

My thoughts are with you and everyone affected by these terrible fires.

Stay safe.

[Liz]

:sadeyes: absolutely devastating news down in Victoria. As an ex Vic, I remember the Ash Wednesday Fires :sadeyes: Hope that all settles a bit today, though it looks like they are expecting more deaths :sadeyes:.

Glad to hear you guys OK, Barb and Dave. Some of our fellow IIS friends are bound to have lost their houses :sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes:.

from a very soggy Townsville :rain:where it is still raining ... I am OK, but the guys up at Ingham are in for more floods, with more rain, esp in catchment area. I wish all you Vics the 150 mls I had in my guage this am (last 24 hrs).

Am under the flight path from Townsville to Ingham, and MANY planes going over, inclu some big army ones.

[gary]

Hi Andrew,

Great to hear all is well. All well here in the Kuring-Gai Chase National Park
at the moment - 'touch wood'.

Indeed, very late last night we started reading the news coming out of Victoria
and we were absolutely shocked.

You only had to look at the scorched exteriors of some of the firetrucks down
in Victoria on the news reports to appreciate the enormous personal risk
the firefighters took.

Take care.

Gary

[gary]

Thanks for the report after such a demanding night.

We all wish you the very best of luck down there in Gippsland and go safely.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai

[Tamtarn]

The reports from Gippsland are shocking as well. Good to hear you and your family were able to save the property. Stay safe today Stuart.



We would so love the Govt to build a pipeline from up north down to Victoria :lol: We're in desperate need of water down here but nothing seems to be done. Water catchments down to about 32% now.

Liz that 150 mls wouldn't we just love it :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

my thoughts go to those affected by this heatwave and firestorms. We are only just sampling what you guys down south have had for some time.

[renormalised]

Problem with that idea is that we don't get wet seasons like this all the time and these flood waters are actually performing a service to the river systems and the coastal wetlands up here. You'd have no fisheries up here without the periodic floods. Not only that, how much do you want to pay for your water??. It'd be prohibitively expensive to put a pipeline in from up here to down your way.

[danielsun]

Barb and Dave ,I have been thinking about you guys, glad to hear that you are o.k. It's tragic news of all those affected, the scenes and story's on the news are truly horrific.

[Tamtarn]

[/quote] We would so love the Govt to build a pipeline from up north down to Victoria :lol: We're in desperate need of water down here but nothing seems to be done. Water catchments down to about 32% now.

Liz that 150 mls wouldn't we just love it :thumbsup:[/quote]


Renormalised I wasn't serious about the pipeline. It's something Victorians joke about when there is torrential rain anywhere up north while we're experiencing a 10 year drought down here.

Of course it would be an impossible task

Barb

[RobF]

Mind numbing scenes on telly this morning. Thoughts go out to all of you. Hope everyone down south stays safe today.

[renormalised]

I know, but some people are....what you need to do is move up here. All this rain...no fires:P

[Liz]

...... and NO clear skies, scope going/gone mouldy :sadeyes::sadeyes:

Has been a death in my home town of Bendigo, and many house destroyed.

I see theres a bit of rain going thru southern Vic at moment, hope it helps a little.

[renormalised]

I know, I packed my scope away before most of this rain came, so hopefully it'll be OK. Will get some sil' gel though, just in case

They need a good dowsing with rain....let's hope they get it.

[bones]

"I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of drought and flooding rains,
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me."
From My Country by Dorothea MacKellar

This part of htis poem seems to tell a bit of of the last day or so in a way. Droughts and with them fires that are out of control, and flooding rains. But it's disheartening to know there are those idiots who go out there and light these fires on purpose. The law is too soft on them.

One thing I do see over and over in these times is that as Australians we always stick together. You just have to look at the support in the IIS community for a start. We're not in this alone. To all who have lost loved ones and property - my heart goes out to you.

[Spanrz]

This is what can happen in suburbia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7yNKl_ZQmY

I never thought that this would happen (this bad in 1 hour). Lost 5-8 houses, no loss of life, dam lucky the CFA rolled up. They were on their way to Bunyip fires, when they had to turn back.
If they hadn't of turned up, the fire would be still going and there most definately would be deaths.
It's just sad all these people in other areas, died in the fires.

[jjjnettie]

Those firefighters all deserve the highest recognition we can give them. How many of them will be lost before this is over? And they go in knowing this. True heroes!
My complete sympathies go out to those who lost loved ones. I shudder to think what those poor souls went through before losing their lives.

As for those who have deliberately lit fires and are still doing so after seeing what devestation has occured, an eye for an eye I say. Jail is too good for them.

[Hagar]

I just had a report from the local CFA that the Kankoona/ Beechworth fire is making it's way solidly up our valley. It is now 20Km from the centre of Mt Beauty and spotting fires all over the valley floor. The temprature is still around 35 degrees but fortunately the wind has dropped.
Looks like this valley has a 3 year fire cycle. 2003, 2006 and now 2009. We are fairly fortunate that our valley has been burnt off so many times it must reduce the ferocity of the fires to some degree.
The cooler weather which has past through Melbourne has again bypassed the North East.

[GrahamL]

Is it true as mentioned in the press today that the vic RFS has no authority to order people to evacuate areas as a fire approaches ?.

The tragic loss of life today is unbelievable .. yes I know fires are unpredictable and arn't ever the same twice ..But I still can't fathom how so many people were still in the way of this with no way out until the last minute ..:(

[TrevorW]

Sorry state of affairs in VIC 65-66 dead hope everyone of our country Vic members are OK and haven't been affected by the devastation.

Sympathy and best wishes to all Victorians who may have been affected.

[gman]

The fire travelled that fast in places and the lack of road networks in semi rural & rural areas meant that people were trapped.
A howling north wind meant that embers started fires well ahead of the actual fire front.This meant that roads were cut off trapping people in their homes.
ABC radio took calls from numerous people last night and early this morning from people trapped in homes with no route of escape.

Only a few km's from my house approx a dozen houses were lost in Narre Warren when a paddock fire took hold in minutes.
People had enough time to get out of the houses before they went up

Current offical death toll is 66
Don't be surprised if this at least doubles.

[stephenb]

I have just completed watching Nine's extended News bulletin and I am more shocked than what I have witnessed at work today working in the emergency services. Marysville and Kinglake are towns in name only.

From the Herald Sun website

"UPDATE 8:17pm: GRAVE fears are held for Channel 9 veteran Brian Naylor as the bushfire death toll rises to 76.
Channel 9 has just confirmed that the newsreading legend, who lives in fire-ravaged Kinglake West, can not be accounted for.

In a break in their normal programming, presenter Tony Jones reported that a body believed to be that of Moiree Naylor had been found close to the family's address."

I am reeling in shock and shaking. I have work colleagues fighting the fire still.

Please, all involved and potentially affected, please try to keep up to date on either:

3AW 693AM
774 ABC Melbourne
www.heraldsun.com.au (http://www.heraldsun.com.au)
www.cfa.vic.gov.au (http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_summary.htm) - incident summary page

[mozzie]

i watched the abc news in horra our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones there property can be replaced all those ice in space members in the area keep safe where thinking of you tonight
mozzie

[Robert9]

And to think that these fires are often deliberately lit! If ever these idiots are caught, they should be burned at the stake.
Robert

[bloodhound31]

My thoughts, heart and prayers go out to you all.

Post-tragedy, what else can one do but pray?

Barry.

[Alchemy]

still burning just above the divide, been very lucky here, ash and stuff falling from the sky, strangely my little part of the yarra valley has been exempt from the devastation. heres a pic looking over towards healesville and the now non existent marysville. taken 4ish on Saturday from my house

fires currently to the east , the south and the worst to the north. safe for now, and unless the weather goes bad again should be ok

[BerrieK]

I cannot imagine what affected people are truly going through; the media reports and footage are horrific, let alone the reality of being there.

Things like this really bring our gripes regarding light pollution, noisy neighbours, poor trading or the economic crisis into perspective.

It is ironic that yesterday the media reported that the area under waterin QLD is the size of Victoria.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who are directly or indirectly affected, and to all those who are trying to help in any way.

Keep safe all those North and South of us.

[Peter Ward]

Without doubt this a tragedy which plumbs depths of despair which few of us can really appreciate.

We almost lost our house in the Sydney fires of 1994. Ours was a happy conclusion. No so for many others.

The one thing I did do after this very nasty scare was up our house insurance by a factor of two (pre-fire ours was woefully inadequate)

Suggest you all have a good look at the fine print (eg definitions of "valuables" in your insurance policies.

It's very sobering to calculate the cost of losing *everything* material to your life.....let alone family or friends. Have place for those irreplaceable items....and a plan to get out if the worst happens.

[Jen]

:sadeyes: My thoughts go out to all who live in these towns very sad :(

[bloodhound31]

I recently took stock of my life and the things that are REALLY important.....My wife and any living creature I look after. That's really about it. In fact, when the Christmas bushfires years ago in Sydney came dangerously close to my house, I got in the car and said, "Stuff the house, if it burns, it burns." and I left it to burn. Happily it didn't.

You know, somehow, I don't think losing my house to a bushfire, (usually a natural occurence) would be anywhere near as bad as losing it to people who are doing that sort of horrible stuff to each other on purpose.

Of course, I have never lost all my life's savings and hard effort in one bang like that, so I can't imagine what it must be like.....but it makes one think real hard......what if...?....What would I do?

I pray for comfort for all those who have lost someone in this.

[seeker372011]

its all too too terrible.
how awful

[WadeH]

Have been watching the excellent coverage by SkyNews all day. Unbelievable. Our thoughts go out to everyone over east! If its not fires its floods. Such tragic loss of life, 85 now.

As an ex western victorian I know many of the affected areas well, thankfully my family are all well and out of the fire zones.

Also as a volunteer firery over here it makes you feel so helpless. Just want to get over there and help.

Everyone take care.

[iceman]

I've deleted a few posts which were started by one that was completely uncalled for in the context of this thread.

This is not the time, nor the thread, for any sort of comments like that.

[Hagar]

Thanks Mike, I'm still breathing fire.

[iceman]

heh it's a total fire ban don't you know? :lol:

Let's all just chill :)

On topic, I saw the latest update in the 10:30pm news after Rove. My wife and I just stared in disbelief at the TV.

I hope all our IIS members, friends and guests are safe and well in these affected country towns.

[byronpaul]

My thoughts exacting. I know of people who have lost property, stock and family pets. Fortunately they themselves are all ok. :(

[erick]

As I head for bed, the latest report is 96 lives lost. So sad.

I can advise that Bacchus Marsh is fine, as is everywhere between Lorne and Bacchus Marsh where I have just spent the weekend, but spending most of Sunday in disbelief at the news that was coming through. Lorne understands the pain, having lost 76 homes in the 1983 fire.

[badchap]

So are all the regular forumites from ISS accounted for ?
Good to read safe reports from those that are in or near the danger areas.

Plenty of heartbreaking stories yet to come out of this.

Carmel

[Alchemy]

im glad to see no reports so far of any IIS members harmed,

im short of words to describe what i saw on the TV total destruction, people trying to escape and clumps of cars caught on the open road, i think "a day of devastation" covers it somewhat.

you always think " it will never happen to me "..... sadly the death toll continues to rise.

clive

[gbeal]

What can a Kiwi say? The devastating news is hard to imagine, and yes, our hearts go out to those affected.
A continent of contrasts, with raging fire infernos in one state, and flooding in another?
Gary

[rastis95]

Devastation is right, every time I look at the news the toll keeps rising, Also spare a thought for the thousands of rural fire fighters on the ground, as a local ses volunteer we regularly support these amazing men and women and i can't sing there praises enough. Hope every one is safe

Scott

[glenc]

Here are some satellite images of the Vic fires.
http://www.universetoday.com/2009/02/08/satellite-images-of-2009-australian-bushfires/
http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/subsets/?subset=Australia6.2009039&altdates
A terrible tragedy.

[Kal]

A devastating tragedy, with the death toll now at 108.

I can imagine I would want to try to defend my house if I was a home owner - I would be prepared, take all precautions, do all the things that they say you shuold do if you want to stay and defend. But then I hear about the reports from the survivors of how it was like a fire storm that raced through like a freight train, with comments like "you just can't fight that". Very sad indeed :(

[PeterM]

Very, very sad news that just seems to get worse everytime we hear more news. What can you say? My families thoughts and best wishes to all affected in anyway at this terrible time.
Peterm

[wavelandscott]

As has already been posted by others...the thoughts and prayers of me and my family go to all those impacted by the heat, fire and floods...

The pictures I am sure do not do justice to the scope and scale of the situation...

[JohnG]

As a retired professional Emergency Services worker who was heavily involved in the devastating 1994 Sydney fires, my heart goes out to all involved, such loss of life.

Cheers

[NCRAW]

Some of the most beautiful landscapes in Victoria!!

Hope everyone here and their families and neighbours made it out safely and deepest sympethies to all affected. Property can be easily replaced, as long as human life is safe.

[Quark]

Just how far reaching is all of these horrendous events, but terrible as it is it seems just so far removed from the reality that most of the rest of us experience.

Last night I was preparing to image the transit of Titan but then we got the news that one of my wifes uncles, who lives in the fire affected region of Victoria was missing and there are grave fears for him.

Titan somehow became pretty unimportant and I packed up and probably like much of the population just felt stunned. The reality of what is happening is going to take a while to sink in for most. This will surely go down in the annals of Australian history as our greatest natural disaster ever.

Regards
Trevor

[NCRAW]

Hope u will have good news soon.

The more i hear about this, the more im amazed by the courage of those involved especially the volunteer fire fighters who do it just out a sense of responibility and caring for complete strangers.

[leon]

It just isn't easing off, and the loss of life just keeps climbing, my thoughts and prayers are with all that are affected by theses horrific fires.

I know I speak for all here, thanks to all that are helping battle blazes, you are the true hero's of our nation. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Leon

[erick]

A very poignant image...........

[Tamtarn]

Update::

The shocking death toll from the bushfires in Victoria stands at 108. This figure is expected to rise considerably when authorities move through the devastation in Churchill Kinglake and Marysville.Around 760 homes have been destroyed 550 of these in Kinglake alone. 30 people are in the Alfred Hospital burns unit and over 4000 people have been evacuated from the different areas.

The consentration today is on the fire burning near Beechworth and Yackandandah in NE Vic. Towns of Dederang Gundowring and Kankoonah are on high alert.

IIS members Doug (Hagar) and Rob K are about 20-30kms from some of these towns but the fire is moving in a northerly direction away from them so the townships of Mt Beauty and Bright are not in danger at this time.

We are thankful for the cool conditions at the moment which will be of some help in getting these fires under control during the next few days.

D&B

[NCRAW]

Apparently its now 107!! so there is some good news afterall

[Lee]

Nope. Latest figure I've seen is 126, revised down from 128.....

[NCRAW]

Oh boy!! this is getting worse and worse

[Jen]

Those firefighters are doing an amazing job a big credit to them :sadeyes:

[BerrieK]

Not only the firefighters but the police, ambo's, other health workers, council guys (and gals) and volunteers.

[Alchemy]

just keeping an eye on this thread, the fire to the south east of us is still going, (bunyip fire) unfortunately southerly 40 k hr winds tommorrow. if it goes SE it could come right through here or warburton ( i know theres other IIS ers there) ..... im a bit nervous as i know the marysville one covered 25 ks in 15 mins, and its not that far away

plenty of bush around here too , had today off , tommorrow too i expect just in case. hopefully im just being paranoid. (My house is in the box)

[Hagar]

Really is sad when it hits home. The two deaths at Mudgegonga in the Beechworth Fire area are a friends Sisiter and brother in law. Two very nice honest people who have worked hard and built their own home. They leave behind two young children. Heartbreaking.

[gregbradley]

Could be an idea to build a fireproof bunker later on in case similar conditions happen again in the future. There was one couple where that saved them. Much like bunkers people have in the tornado belt in the US.

Greg.

[renormalised]

So sorry to hear that, Doug. My condolences to you and their families.

[anthony.tony]

It is a Tradgedy .You can replace cars and Houses but you can't replace the Loss of Life especially When Kids are Hurt.I live in Canowindra NSW and we are Smoked out From Smoke drifting our way. Tony

[Dog Star]

I'm a long way away from all of this tragedy and devastation but I've been close to bushfires before and they terrify me.
The recent rains we had up here have increased the fuel load out in the paddocks something dreadful, so I've spent the last 2 weekends on the slasher and whipper snipper trying to create a buffer around my dwelling.
The problem is that you can't fight floating embers on the wind - they're like an insidious fifth column that infiltrates your defences.
Hope all of you in Victoria and NSW take lots of care and take every measure you can to fire proof your properties.
I've read about enough people tragically losing their lives in this terrible time - I don't want to read about any more, especially from this forum!!!

[RB]

Clive you and others in the area are on our minds, please take care.



So sorry to hear Doug, such a heart breaking tragedy.

[Spanrz]

Is anyone here from Yea? I have some friends in Yea (approx 2k's north) sitting on a hill with the most picturesque views.
I know 1 has bunkered in the town and 1 is staying to defend it (the house).
Just want to know if Yea is under threat at all?

[Ric]

It brings tears to eyes to read this thread and hear the news reports of this terrible tragedy. I can only offer my sympathy to those who are affected by the fire.

Our brigade is sending a Cat 1 tanker down with a crew of five to help out the worn out CFA members and give them a well earned break. The majority of our brigade volunteered for away duties but it's a sad that we can't send more.

Stay safe everyone

[stephenb]

Doug, I heard that news today, so tragic. Please, keep your ear to the ground for the fire updates (I'm sure you are anyway), stay safe and don't hesitate to evac. That goes out to others still in the danger areas.

I have spent the last 3 days on shift working in an Emergency Communications Centre and I have seen, read, heard and witnessed in this time, some of the most horrific stories, that will live with me forever.

I have watched work colleagues walk out of work tonight, some pale and drained, many of us reserved and quiet at the sheer enormous size of the fires. Having said that, I have never been more proud of my fellow colleagues, who have worked tirelessly behind the radio to support the real heroes on the ground: CFA, SES, VicPol, MAS and Ambulance Vic, DSE - and now the Army, Red Cross, Disaster Victim Indentification teams (DVI)- tasked to the most unspeakable, but essential work, and everyone who is now offering food, clothing, time and money.

This will change the fabric of the State of Victoria for generations to come.

I am not interested in blame on the cause - that will not help to rebuild.

I am not interested in blame on the response - this was an unprecedented disaster, and what I have learned in disaster study is that you cannot, CANNOT plan for a disaster of this magnitude, and I will not waste time with uneducated and ill-informed armchair experts, like those before me.

With entire towns completely sealed off as crime scenes and potentially dozens of victims yet to be found, let's try not to forget these victims and displaced people in the following days, weeks, and even years.

I may not contribute any further to this thread as I need to disconnect for a while from the last 3 days, before our staff at my Comms Centre ramp up some fundraising efforts next shift.

To fellow IIS members in these areas, residents, vols or both, stay safe and my best wishes.

[gaa_ian]

I have shed a lot of tears for all involved and have one of my staff in Yea ATM. He successfully defended his home, but 6 of his neighbors lost theirs and lives lost there too !
Now is the time for action though and I am involved in broadcasting a radio-thon this W/E on our local FM station to raise money for the Vic Bush Fire Appeal.
I understand the fear that such a natural disaster can bring having been through several cyclones.
My thoughts, prayers & support is with all those affected.
Stay safe, things can be replaced, people cant be.

[glenc]

I was just looking to see how this compares with other Australian disasters.
The spreadsheet below is from: http://www.ema.gov.au/ema/emadisasters.nsf/$$Search
It is sorted by number killed. In 1918 12,000 died from influenza and in 1946 1,013 died from polio.

[pgc hunter]

My sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

[Alchemy]

things have slowed down with the winds abating somewhat , but things are still burning. this taken from woori yallok late yesterday afternoon. Central healesville has been spared so far , with the cooler weather it helps. the bunyip fire still burning but it is a much smaller front (2ks ish wide only moving slowly)

[iceman]

Thanks for the continuing updates, Clive.

Glad to hear you're still safe.

Our thoughts are with you.

[venus]

The tragedy of the Victorian bushfires is unbelievable.
My heart goes out to all that have suffered there. Our prayers are with you all.
Lydie Macokatic
NAS Publicity Officer
Coles is asking customers to plan their supermarket shop for this Friday (13 Feb), to help raise badly needed funds for the victims of the Victorian bushfires. link here (http://www.coles.com.au/about/news/documents/Coles%20donates%20profits%20to%20bu shfire%20appeal.pdf)

[erick]

Please watch out for the scammers - ACCC warns here:-

http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/859969

This site seems legitimate and comprehensive for those wanting to help in some way:-

http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/bushfirehelp

[erick]

I loved Marysville. Travelled through it many times taking the children to enjoy the snow at Lake Mountain, always stopping for a break and to hire gear. Some years ago, my wife and I had a lovely week's break staying in a B&B, exploring the town and surrounds. It's virtually gone and the final loss of life is going to be staggering:-

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25038712-601,00.html

[Aster]

Have been of the air for the last 5 days, no internet, bummer.

Things don't look to bad for the main centre of Healesville. Very quiet town at present. Many people left to spend some time with relatives or friends in the more inner suburbs.

Last saturday was the most horrific day, at night time the whole horizon from the southwest to the northeast behind our mountain range was ablaze. The outside air was like standing in front of a open oven door.

Shopping is so easy at Coles no problems getting through the aisles.
Even the News Agent/Australia Post have shut their doors at noon for the last couple of days. One of the chemists is also closed. Not very popular with their mostly elderly customers. So are some of the smaller shops.

Had plenty of embers raining down on us, some up to 600mm long, how they can stay in the air over 5 - 10km is amazing. Most of them, when the hit our place, were cool with the ocassional glowing one.

More alerts just came through from north and east of Healesville for ember attacks. Heaps of helicopters flying over. Have been for the last few days, with Elvis making constant trips.

Just have to be alert for glowing embers, otherwise we feel reasonable safe.

Actually Healesville is now as it used to be 30 years ago, a nice quiet country town. You can cross main street ( Maroondah Highway), without any worry of being run over. Walk along the footpath and stop to have a talk with mates/friends without being pushed/hassled by tourists :)

Monday night the moon through the clouds was the red, red.

Alexander

[iceman]

Wow, a dramatic report Alex. Thanks for posting. Glad to hear you're safe.

[matt]

I see the authorities are now forecasting the toll to move past 300. It's currently at 181.

This thing just keeps getting worse.

We've taken many calls on-air at the Brisbane radio station where I work over the last few days about the need to revise legislation, particularly as it applies to those who deliberately light bushfires which lead to deaths.

The overwhelming majority support those caught and convicted to face murder charges rather than manslaughter.

It's an emotive debate, I know, but one which I think we need to have. Most of the time, in the interests of appearing objective (as are the dictates of my profession) I don't offer my opinion one way or the other...but in this case I will categorically state that I believe changes are in order.

I for one have been shocked and deeply saddened by what's unfolded.

My condolences to all affected by this awful tragedy.

[erick]

From ABC News website. Once were alloy wheels.

[Rob_K]

My thoughts go out to everyone impacted by these horrendous fires, and especially to those who have lost loved ones and friends. And a big thank you to all the firefighters who have battled so heroically under atrocious conditions, and continue to do so!!

I saw Mt Macedon go up like a torch as a seasonal firefighter in 1983, but the vision coming out of these fires is... well, lost for words.

Give generously to the appeals folks, if you haven't done so already. Stay safe anyone who is still in the line of the active fires, and let's hope they're all out soon.

Cheers -

[Alchemy]

All still quiet here, saw truckloads of monster bulldozers heading up into the forest last night, not expecting any issues until the warmer weather returns. its expected the fire activity will increase then.

will keep you posted.

[stephenb]

Aster, I am glad things have settled in Healesville. I have a work colleague living there and I received the news that he is ok also, but a tense time.

Alchemy, keep us informed. Are they the Army? I know there are lots of offers of bulldozers from companies etc.

Thanks for the updates. I am doing a run to (hopefully) Bendigo on Wednesday next week with a ute load of goods and food.

[marc4darkskies]

I know I'm not alone when I shed a tear at the stories of loss, survival and heroism on the nightly news. I'm a long way away from it but such anguish & tragic loss really strikes home. I can't even imagine the trauma the affected families are going through - just wish I could do more than send some $$ to the Red Cross. I humbly encourage everyone here who's able to give generously.

Cheers, Marcus

[Paramount]

To everybody affected by this terrible disaster I send my sympathy and hope that things resolve themselves as soon as possible, it must be a terrible time for you at the moment. We often complain about the bad weather in UK and wish for sunnier climates like yours but sometimes we don't appreciate that there are dangers that go with it
Best wishes and take care
Gordon

[Alchemy]

They were yellow bulldozers so i presume not army as everything they seem to own is green.
very smoky here this morning, still not expecting trouble, the fire the CFA is most concerned about is the one around the healesville dam. from the north, not expecting north winds today. seen the ericson skycranes flying around yesterday.

The ABC did a radio show from Warburton yesterday, and spoke to the locals.... sadly people still dont comprehend the danger, if it goes through at any speed there will be deaths.

Even my next door neighbour, still hasnt mown his grass all around the house.... 4 ft high.

2 years ago we had the skycrane bombing on the hill next to us, police came through to notify everyone and get names of who was there. One lady said if she saw the flames coming she'd run out the back door ... it dont work that sort of plan. heres a couple of pics of the skycrane at that time .

[iceman]

That's just unbelievable!??!

From the photo you posted before, with your house in the middle of all that bush, wow what a scary place to be in a fire. Especially if there's winds like there was last weekend.

[gaa_ian]

I have heard the first hand story from one of my workers who survived the flowerdale fire. He spent 2 days after saving his place helping his neighbors.
He was very well prepared with his own tanker, fire sprinklers, dozed fire breaks and more. yet he was lucky to save his house.
He is now returning to Flowerdale to spend the next 2 weeks to help with the recovery effort. I get a chill down my spine just writing about his experience.
The survivors in Flowerdale had to wait over 2 days before any help arrived. Such is the scale of this tragedy that our emergency services and military even are overwhelmed by the response required.
We now live in a new Era of disaster management.
This will not be the last time this level of threat is faced !
On the fundraising side, our community is rallying to the cause.
A whip around the crib rooms by a couple of determined young woman has raised over $15,000 in a few days
I am involved with our community Station's, Radio-A-Thon and charity Auction which is running all day Saturday and into Saturday night to raise more cash.
It makes me proud to be a part of this community.

[Aster]

Well, looks like it hit the western to eastern outskirts of Healesville.

Residents in those areas were adviced this morning either to leave or to implement their fire planes.

Lots of traffic out of Healesville after that.

Extremely smokey, blood red sun.

Lots of people coming in from the Chum and other areas in their cars to the Coles Car Park to see what developes. For some it is the second or third time they have had to leave their homes.

Where I live seems to be fairly safe, few trees and heaps of open space.

Have the same problems as Clive, some people with empty blocks don't seem to bother keeping the grass and the blackberries down and the Council doesn't seem to give a hoot.

Alexander

[jjjnettie]

A local produce store near Kilcoy is sending down a shipping container of donations to be distributed to owners horses and livestock. Basics like Halters, leadropes, honey (to be used as burn and wound dressing), bandages, cotton wool etc etc.
It's a terrible terrible thing that's happened, and every little thing you can do to help is greatly appreciated.

BTW, we've already had people going through our town "collecting" money for the bush fire victims. No identification, just buckets to put the money in. I don't know if the police nabbed them, but I know that a number of people at the pub told them to nick off in no uncertain terms, with threats of caving in heads.

[jjjnettie]

You stay safe won't you.:sadeyes:
We'll be thinking of you.
I wish we could send down this rain we're having at the moment.

[Tamtarn]

Just thought everyone would like to know that a man has been arrested and will be charged with lighting the Churchill fire in Gippsland which killed 10 people.

He is a local resident and will be charged with arson causing death.

The locals have been trying to track down the fire bug who has been actively lighting fires in the area over the past 4 years.

So disgusting that someone in your own community can be so maniacal.

We hope the locals can rest a little easier knowing he is in custody.

[Alchemy]

truth be known, i wonder if we could have defended it, ive seen pictures of walls of fire 100ft high. fortunately the weather conditions are not as severe at the moment

in my street half the people have left, town is noticably emptier, healesville is taking a battering on the outskirts ( hope aster stays safe)

the firecrews are doing a marvelous job, theres a large operations base just up the road at Wesburn they have 3 spotter helicopters(see pic below) to guide the groundcrews and ELVIRA (or is it elvis) the skycrane, it is HUGE and yes thats a Semi trailer beside it(see pic below), taken 3ish this afternoon. apparently it costs (so ive been told) $44000 per hour to run.

[Glenhuon]

Left NSW on Monday feeling very sorry for myself, intended to vist some friends in Casterton on my way west, but decided the last thing needed going through the fire areas was a tourist. The news and images over the past week have made my problems pale into insignificance. Never had tears in my eyes for so long watching and listening to such harrowing scenes. Give what you can folks, in cash or in kind.

Bill

[Aster]

Moon Rise over Healesville

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop:

[h0ughy]

wow looks better than the total eclipsed moon. hopefully things will settle down soon:shrug:

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

I saw that forensic teams came on a scene of 8 people huddled around a baby, all dead...

I just don't know how anyone could cope with such a sight, I could not.

My sympathies go to everyone involved, there just is not anything we could say that would be enough...

[Hagar]

Looks like the Beechworth fire has been pretty well contained and is moving into a mopping up stage. Some small pockets of fire keep causing worries but on the whole with cooler weather and lighter winds it may grind to a halt. I hope the other fires around Victoria are nearing the same end.
The horrific details of death and distruction will live on in Victoria for years to come.
My deapest sympathy to all who have unfortunately lost property, loved ones and livelyhoods in this horrific series of fires.
I would also like to extend my thanks to all the volunteer fire fighters who have in some cases risked everything to protect others. It is time we started to value these wonderful people and give them the respect and gratitude they deserve, be it by paying them a salary while out fighting fires or by providing them other incentives to do this very needed and respected work.

Thanks Guys and Gals for your dedication and devotion to others.

[Tamtarn]

Thankfully some of the perimeters of the fires are being contained and extensive bulldozing-clearing and backburning is underway while conditions are calm.

Here are a couple of pics looking across our valley to Mt Toolebewong and Mt Ben Cairn which is about 7kms south of Healesville.

The first is what we normally see and the second taken this morning.

53868 53869

[renormalised]

Very thick smoke there...hope it all clears away very soon.

[rmcpb]

Just got back fropm a run dow to Vic with the RFS and it is amazing what happened down there. When Canberra went up a few years ago we thought it was bad. This was just as bad, but BIGGER.

We spent most of our time backburning and blacking out. Not the exciting headline stuff but a lot of it is going on now that they are trying to tie in these fires. Lots of help from all over. From most Australian states, New Zealand, Canada and USA it was a privilige and quite humbling to work with these generous people from across our world.

[pgc hunter]

Death tolls now 189.

[glenc]

76 fire photos http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/gallery/0,22010,5037340-5006020,00.html
231 more http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/gallery/0,22010,5037339-5006020,00.html

[glenc]

"JANUARY’S brutal heatwave may have killed 100 Melburnians - and more than 200 people across south-eastern Australia - an ‘‘invisible tragedy’’ now the subject of investigations by the Department of Human Services and the Coroner’s Office..."
http://www.theage.com.au/national/heatwave-left-hundreds-dead-20090221-8ea4.html

[leinad]

Wow! Take a look at picture 5 at: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/gallery/0,22010,5037340-5006020,00.html

Thats quite a photo!

[pgc hunter]

^^ yeah that's quite a dramatic pic! I could see the smoke billowing up from that particular fire, it was only around 2-3 km away.

[glenc]

Today's warning:
"The Department of Sustainability and Enviroment's Lee Miezis says the fires in the Warburton Valley and Yarra Valley are causing the most concern and could threaten numerous towns.
"If residents in the Warburton Valley make the decision to leave, they should do so early and by early, I mean Sunday evening or Monday morning," he said.
"I can't stress enough that with limited road access in the Warburton Valley, traffic may become congested and being on the roads is very dangerous during a fire threat.""
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/22/2498067.htm