Fire storm

[Bluenose]

We are experiencing what have now been officially described as the worst bushfires in Australia's history.

The official death toll has reached 108 and is is certain to go higher.  750 homes lost and counting.  The entire towns of Kinglake and Marysville have been virtually wiped out - hundreds of homes burnt to the ground with less than 1% still standing.  TV showed for example one house standing virtually untouched with all around reduced to smoldering heaps.  Overall it's a picture of devastation.  There are over 50 fires still burning in my home state of Victoria including three major fires threatening a number of towns.  There are also several large fires burning in more remote areas that may be of greater concern later in the week when it is forecast to warm up again.  Still concerns about winds which also are forecast to increase again.  We are by no means out of the woods just yet, there are certain to be more losses, lets just hope not on the scale of what we have seen so far, but I would not be too sure..

Mrs Blue and I have been thinking about just what we would take if we had to move out. No credible threat to our place as yet, but I heard that some of those who lost their homes in the Kinglake area (about 40 minutes drive from my house) saw the fire about 25 km away (you would think this was a safe distance) and the fire was upon their house within 15 minutes.  Terrifying.

I'll keep everyone posted as the story unfolds.

[ivor]

Wow!  I hope your gonna be okay!

[Scriblerus the Philosophe]

Sounds pretty nasty! Hope everything works out.

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

We are experiencing what have now been officially described as the worst bushfires in Australia's history.

The official death toll has reached 108 and is is certain to go higher.  750 homes lost and counting.  The entire towns of Kinglake and Marysville have been virtually wiped out - hundreds of homes burnt to the ground with less than 1% still standing.  TV showed for example one house standing virtually untouched with all around reduced to smoldering heaps.  Overall it's a picture of devastation.  There are over 50 fires still burning in my home state of Victoria including three major fires threatening a number of towns.  There are also several large fires burning in more remote areas that may be of greater concern later in the week when it is forecast to warm up again.  Still concerns about winds which also are forecast to increase again.  We are by no means out of the woods just yet, there are certain to be more losses, lets just hope not on the scale of what we have seen so far, but I would not be too sure..

Mrs Blue and I have been thinking about just what we would take if we had to move out. No credible threat to our place as yet, but I heard that some of those who lost their homes in the Kinglake area (about 40 minutes drive from my house) saw the fire about 25 km away (you would think this was a safe distance) and the fire was upon their house within 15 minutes.  Terrifying.

I'll keep everyone posted as the story unfolds.

Wow, Blue!

Keep your yard wet, if you are able....

I'll keep my virtual fingers crossed for you and your family.

*sigh*

Sometimes the world is a very harsh place...

[anthrobabe]

Just leave if you can- ok-- just pack up and just go. Seeing the video on the news of the people literally with the clothing on their backs, and realizing they are lucky as they made it out-is chilling-and 25k in 15 minutes and the sky is raining ash.

You are so wonderful offering help to others at this time-- it speaks volumes about the quality of your character/heart.

Sending much hope you and your families way and watching the news for reports of a large blue pirate ship setting sail out of danger.

Oh the human impact and also the environmental one- I'm sure that as in many places wild fire is an often good and critical part of the Australian environment but when it is like this it's just too much. Maybe I shouldn't be so concerned but I'm just having visions of those rabbit proof fences- naturally you could stand to loose a few bazillion rabbits and feral cats but overall...

best wishes dear sibling

[Bluenose]

Mrs Blue and I drove to the top of a nearby hill (about 1km in a straight line from our house) and we could look out over the Yarra Valley and towards the Great Dividing Range.  Our home is about an hours drive east of the CBD of Melbourne on the eastern fringe, inside the metropolitan boundary which is about 800 m east of here.  From the top of that hill we could see the smoke of fires rising from the ground over an arc of the horizon that I estimated to be about 90 degrees - yes, a full quadrant.  These fires are around 20 to 30 km away for the most part, although there are a couple of closer ones.  The wind is currently blowing from the south west, taking the smoke (and the fires) away from us.  Unfortunately a lot of other people live out there in the bush.  Our location is actually relatively secure, although there is a small strip of private bush just behind out house, maybe 200 m wide, behind that is the Lilydale quarry and that means about a km of what could pass for a lunar landscape.  Even if the fire did manage to get in there, it would notbe anything like the ferocity of what happened up in the hills from here.

I still cannot get my head around Kinglake and Marysville being wiped off the map.  They were both lovely towns, simply beautiful.  Now they look like the afterath of a nuclear attack.  Other favourite small towns like Buxton, Narbethong are all but gone too.

The toll has risen to 131, over 400 people have been admitted to hospital so far, about 20 people are in a critical condition.  The police are dicovering more as they continue their grim search.  Yet the emergency is still notover.  As I write this, several town in thenorth east of the state as well as south east of Melbourne are under sirect attack from different fires.  It seems almost certain that losses will rise, we can only hope that those extra losses are property only.  The weather is due to warm up again in a few days and the wind is continuing to fan the flames, it too may well increase.  Lightning has continued to light more fires and although a little rain has fallen, it has been a couple of millimetres at best and with the whole state being tinder dry it has had little effect.

Siblings, don;t worry about me, I'm alright and if any threat were to approach we will be out of here quick smart, but we are unlikely to have to worry about it.  Spare your thoughts for those who have perished and those who have lost everything.  My neighbour's brother has lost his house, we know of friends that have lost their homes and businesses and one of Mrs Blue's workmates has lost several good friends in the fire.  That's about all I can say for now.  it is too overwhelming.

Thanks for the words of support, my dearest siblings.  But I feel petty compared to what so many others have lost - I still have my house, I have not lost any friends that I know of, really. I'm OK.  One story I heard really brought it home, though.  A fire crew found a 7 year old child in a ditch near a burnt out home.  In the home there were six bodies huddled together for shelter.  The child was taken to hospital by the police - I do not know in what condition.  The fire crew was devastated and are receiving counselling.  I cannot for the life of me know what they must be feeling.  I can't imagine what the future might be like for the child if he or she survives.  I just feel empty.

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

...  I can't imagine what the future might be like for the child if he or she survives.  I just feel empty.

I will say this, though:  if *you* are even a tiny bit an example of the sort of people who live where you do?  The kid will survive, and I would imagine, thrive.

People *will* come together over tragedy, it's in our natures to do so.

Makes me proud to be human, myself.

[beagle]

Pity we can't swap you some of our snow and rain for some grit. Certainly puts our weather problems in perspective.

Does insurance cover rebuilding? We're getting lots of news coverage here but haven't seen any charity appeals or anything similar practical we can do.

[Bluenose]

We'd certainly take a dump of snow right now, with thanks!  Now we  just need to arrange delivery...

On a more serious note, generally those who are insured will be covered for rebuilding so long as their cover was adequate.  There are of course quite a lot of people who for various reasons will not be insured.  It's easy to make smart comments about them, but I suspect most of these people did not feel like they had a choice in the matter.

As for helping out, the most important need right now is money.  People can donate via the Red Cross at Victorian Bushfire Appeal web site.   The site has been taking a bit of a hit the last few days due to unprecendented traffic, so you may need to be a little patient.

Mrs Blue and I turned up at our local blood bank collection centre to make a blood donation, but we were advised that they had been inundated and were fully booked out.  We were asked to return in a week or two, when more blood would be needed.  We will do this.

Finally, sad to say that the toll has now risen to 173.  it is certain to rise further.  I have no joy in reporting this.

[beagle]

The site worked fine at about 18:00 Sydney time (I expect the locals have all already dipped into their pockets by now).

Do you think they'll rebuild the lost towns?  Would they be any safer if they built entirely in stone and put a firebreak in the trees around the area (if there are any left).  Suppose that would be like living in a desert, or Milton Keynes, though.

[anthrochild87]

Blue- if there is anything I can do here- let me know and I will be more than glad to do it for you (your friends as well)

I hope that you guys continue to be safe and sound and I hope that you don't have to leave your home.

If you don't mind- I'll light a candle for you and your loved ones, and I am already sending all the loving caring energy I can muster to you guys.

Be safe- *hugs*

[Bluenose]

We're OK, but thanks for the kind thoughts, I will accept them on behalf of those who really need the support.

Mrs Blue and I went out for a short drive after dinner this evening and took a few photos, now that the fire situation near us is much better for the time being.  I have made a pamorama of the ones taken from near Lilydale Airport, about 5 km from my place, looking out over the Yarra Valley.  The fires are all about 20 km away and the panorama covers and arc of about 90 degrees.  (I have added a split - left & right - version of the panorama because the full one does not appear to display fully.  OTOH, you can download it to see the whole picture)

The other photo was taken on Saturday afternoon, it shows one of the houses across the street from my place and the plume of smoke billowing up behind it.  In fact it was not as close as it looked, rather than being immediately behind my neighbour's place, it is about 5 to 8 km behind.  Still it gives you cause for thought.

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

With regards to the fires, Blue, it saddens me to see the following from an actual human being...

(not PZ's criticism, but the link-to-- the piece by Danny Nalliah a "pastor")

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/02/australias_current_afflictions.php

Mr Nalliah claims the fires were a result of "punishment from god" and exhorts "Australians to Repent" and other such things.

As if.

His image of who and what god is/can do is pretty dismal, IMHO.

If god were real, but stooped to using fires to try to compel people?   It says nothing that is nice *about* such a being, doesn't it?

Why do schmucks try to pin any obviously natural catastrophe on GOD anyway? 

I cannot imagine any being worthy of the title "god" being pleased with the words of Mr Nalliah....


............


While I and the others here are most relieved to hear you and the mrs are not in any danger, we do grieve with you and your neighbors over the catastrophe that has befallen your nation.

*sigh*

[Gloria The Camel]

I am crying for my country right now, and I feel I should be at home during this time. That is absolutely shocking. I have been away for a while and no internet access so these fires went from not too much of a problem to nearly 200 people dead. I know how scary this can be, I had to work through the Canberra bush fires, climbing on my roof to clear the gutters when I was around 12 years old, it is a terrifying time where you have to try not to think that after that day you may be homeless.

My tears and heart go out to all those people who have lost those lives, allo those people in hospital, and all those people who are scared at the moment. Peace and good luck.

[Opsa]

We've been getting pictures on the TV news and the paper. Devastating. Apparently the fire was so strong it literally gulped up all the oxygen in these areas, so even fleeing people were in danger of suffocation. I just can't imagine how awful that is. My heart goes out to these people.

[Darlica]

 It's such a tragedy.
For the people, the wildlife and the nation.

And thinking that some of the fire where started by people...

[stellinacadente]

Blue,

I hope you and your loved ones are fine. My thoughts are with you and the less fortunate who have lost their homes if not their lives.

[Swatopluk]

And thinking that some of the fire where started by people...

Events like this make it easier to understand where mirror punishments come from. The burning alive of arsonists is among the oldest written laws we know of. 

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

And thinking that some of the fire where started by people...

Events like this make it easier to understand where mirror punishments come from. The burning alive of arsonists is among the oldest written laws we know of. 

I wouldn't be surprised if some of them actually had that fate, considering the speed and violence of the event.

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

And thinking that some of the fire where started by people...

Events like this make it easier to understand where mirror punishments come from. The burning alive of arsonists is among the oldest written laws we know of. 

I wouldn't be surprised if some of them actually had that fate, considering the speed and violence of the event.

If the Universe were actually Just?  I'd think so.

Unfortunately, all too often....the guilty go unpunished, and the innocent are the ones who suffer...witness the current economic state of the world...who suffers the most?  Who's greedy actions helped fuel the situation, but still manage to glom onto huge bonuses? Huge piles of cash?

*sigh*

It's no wonder that many religions basic premises hinge on such simplistic views as immediate punishment for the guilty. 

[Swatopluk]

And some mad Falwell wannabe blames the fires on pro-choice laws
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/126212/crazy_pentecostal_pastor_blames_horrific_fires_on_pro-choice_laws/

[Bluenose]

And some mad Falwell wannabe blames the fires on pro-choice laws
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/126212/crazy_pentecostal_pastor_blames_horrific_fires_on_pro-choice_laws/

Umm, lets see.  Ten years of drought.  The driest January on record.  The hottest week on record just two weeks before leaving the forest literally tinder dry.  The hottest day on record combined with exceptionally high windspeeds on the day in question.  25 years in most of the worst hit areas with no burning and a consequent build up of forest fuel.  A large number of lightning strikes from "dry storms".  At least one arsonist.   Nope.  Can't think of any reason why the bushfires were so bad.  I guess that pastor must be onto something - what else could it have been?

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

And some mad Falwell wannabe blames the fires on pro-choice laws
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/126212/crazy_pentecostal_pastor_blames_horrific_fires_on_pro-choice_laws/

You mean like the link in this post?  

http://toadfishmonastery.com/forum/index.php?topic=1820.msg84147#msg84147

[Bluenose]

Some photos  that have been circulating...


(No, I did not take them.)

[anthrochild87]

the pictures hurt my heart- but the Koala one just made me go *aww*

the devestation and pain- I hope you guys are still okay

[Swatopluk]

Sorry, I did not notice that the mad preacher was already referred to earlier  .

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

Sorry, I did not notice that the mad preacher was already referred to earlier  .

Doesn't hurt to reiterate madness that deep...

[Bluenose]

I heard several things today that disturb me somewhat.

My sister heard through her grapevine (she used to work in a senior position at one of the major hospitals here) that the death toll is likely to go over 500.

The official toll has stuck at 181 for two days, it just does not seem credible that no more fatalities have been found, especially in view of...

The Army did an aerial survey of the fire area and the number of houses lost has doubled to well over 2,000 as a result.

A large number of places have not yet been declared safe and so recovery teams have not yet entered them.

I am sick of the smell of smoke.

I want to do more to help, but it seems that most of what I have to offer is in plentiful supply, so I will have to continue to just give money.  Does not seem right.

[Opsa]

We've been hearing about the koala. She's become sort of a poster child for this tragedy. I understand she had burn injuries but is now recovering in a shelter where she's found a boyfriend.

Blue, I know the helpless feeling, but you're doing what you can do for now. 

Thank you for keeping us updated. I hadn't heard the latest numbers. It's shocking.

[anthrobabe]

Blue-- just thinking about you all there this Monday morning.