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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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!!!
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)
Clive you and others in the area are on our minds, please take care.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
So sorry to hear Doug, such a heart breaking tragedy.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.