BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009-2020

Subject: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 12:17 AM

South Eastern Australia is having one of the worse heatwaves we've ever endured, with many areas, including Joybell's, having daily temperatures in the mid 40s for weeks.

Folks have died from the heat, wildlife is suffering, railtracks have buckled, and bushfires are spreading across 3 states, including into Joybell's area. Some fires have been deliberately lit,

Joybell has posted about her daily life here
BS: Frying eggs in Melbourne , as have other catters. Rowan & I have also posted links to news coverage

As the fires are spreading across 3 states, I feel they needs a thread if it's own.

I'll post more links soon.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 12:25 AM

Thanks, Sandra. Thought about a thread of it's own but couldn't spare the time. Did have time to do a copy and paste though. Here's my latest upadate:

We've just come off "High alert. Activate your fire plan NOW". It's the first time our little community has had a mention on National Radio. Our wonderful voluteer firefighters (they didn't call on True-love, he's among the oldest of them) managed to put it out before it reached us. It was as close as 10 kms. We still have power. So far we're cool.
There are three fires of concern around us but they're not so close -- yet. One is to the West -- from where the wind is blowing -- but there's a big regional town between us and that fire.

My daughter lives East of Melbourne a mountain ridge away from the big fire in the Bunyip State Forest that's moving in on the small towns around it. So far the wind's blowing that fire away from her but there's a change blowing in.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 01:03 AM

Thanks so much, Sandra, for starting this. I hadn't been following the other thread, so had no idea.

Please, all of you, stay safe. We have our share of wildfires in the Western US and I know it can be scary, time-consuming, and so destructive.

May the Great Spirit (or the deity of your choice or not:-) bring healing, cooling rains immediately and may the fires die down to nothing.

Joy, thanks for checking in.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 01:29 AM

My little bit of Sydney is cooler than most of the state as I'm near the harbour, it was 30 at 5pm, & I'm very cool in my place. The folks I was intending to visit 15 miles west reached 39 degrees, & those further west reached 41. Highest temperature in Sydney's west was 42.3 at 3.30pm.

The town near Joybell's place got to 42 around noon & had dropped to 32 at 5pm.

Wollemi National Park declared bushfire emergency

photos

Houses destroyed as south-east burns

Sydney - Blackouts, bushfires and deaths feared in scorcher

Bushfires threatening homes Central cost, to the north of Sydney, posted about 30min ago

sandra, 5.30pm, Saturday afternoon, almost time to head to freda's for a singing session.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 02:14 AM

Thanks, Kat. The Great Spirit in this area is Bunjil. Maybe He'll emerge from his cave in the mountains and help. We so need those healing rains. The wind's dropped a bit but it's switching around and about. The temperature has dropped to 35. Our little rescued Ringtail slept through the day in his hanging basket surrounded by wet blankets. How I wish I could save the thousands and thousands of other animals and birds.

In the East of the state fires are way out of control. Temperatures across the state are higher than any on record.
We're reaping the whirlwind.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Bill S from Adelaide
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 05:31 AM

Hi Sandra
I'm in Melbourne and watched a fire break out downhill from my house. It took 11 fire engines and 2 helicopters to control it before the wind change that would have brought it in my direction. I've been on full alert all day. The railway and highway are still closed.
Some devastating bushfires farther out are still burning. We had 46.7 today, a record for Melbourne, with gale force winds.
Ironically, I have a house guest stranded in Cairns because of the floods, he just got out of England to beat the snow.
The CFA Firies round here are all volunteers and total heroes.
Wassail
Bill S from Melbourne (use to be from Perth)

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 06:58 AM

My daughter and grandchildren are leaving the Yarra Valley while they can. She's going to be OK but I can't help feeling sick with worry. Her husband is staying to protect the house. He'll be in sensible clothes and he has lots of water and mops and buckets. The house is closed up and the windows taped. They made their plans early. The fire just east of them has the potential to join up with a big fire to the north-east. We have friends in the middle of that one. And maybe join the even the bigger one to the south.   
Here it's quite still and cool. There's a beautiful moon. Hard to imagine the horrors across the state.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: goatfell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 07:52 AM

in the northern terrortyevery day the burn off scrub so that house and land wouldn't catch fire so why doesn't the rest of Australia do that

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: artbrooks
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 09:25 AM

News here this morning says 14 dead from a fire in Victoria. You people keep safe, hear?

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 10:12 AM

Bill & Joybell - a lot has happened since I left to visit freda, scary to know you're both so close to the fires. sending hugs & good wishes to you & your families & friends.

sandra

video - Dozens of homes lost in Victorian fires

more photos have been added to photo Gallery linked to earlier

Events bushfires

Killer fires wreak havoc in Vic, NSW, SA + video report

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 10:25 AM

I just posted about the fire in your healing thread, Sandra. This has to be so frightening.
No candles lit this time. I will simply keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe, Sandra, Joybell, Bill et al.
OpenMike lost her home here while she was out fighting a fire. I don't know where anyone finds the courage and strength to go towards a fire. Your firefighters are in my prayers too.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Janie
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 02:26 PM

What Sinsull said....

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: goatfell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 02:59 PM

I have family that live in Australia I just pray that they are all right, the live in western Austrlia, New South Wales.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 05:12 PM

It's Victoria where the main problem is, Goatfell. I hope your friends are safe -- they most likely are this time around.

Overnight things got much worse. We're safe but the whole south-east of the state seems to be either burning or under threat.
Our friends at Marysville are probably safe, and taking refuge at the local sports ground no doubt with their instruments. Probably leading singing or off fighting fires. No info. about their homes but it looks grim.
One of my daughters and three of my grandchildren are safe. I'm so proud of her carrying out her plan and sticking to it. It must have been hard to leave her husband alone at home, but he'll be ok too. They're well prepared. Their home is in the path of one fire that may unite with two others today.
My other daughter and two children are on holiday right in the middle of a big fire. They should be safe -- there's open ground there and a lake. They'll come home to a suburb that's not likely to burn.

Goatfell -- we do burn and clear but there's a limit. We can't burn everything so it won't burn. Also burning encourages plants that REALLY burn well. Victoria was always a wet, lush place -- not like the Outback. It's a complex eco-system. No simple answers. Rain used to put out the lightning-strike fires. Now the rain-pattern has changed. Victoria has been in the grip of drought for 13 years.
We have not been kind to this ancient land, and its Wildlife.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 05:17 PM

Thank you SINSULL, Art, Janie. Candles floating in water might be OK.
Thank you everyone. It's so far away out here. Off to ring my daughter.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: JennieG
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 05:19 PM

Sandra and I have a friend in Bendigo, Victoria - it's a large country town but many houses have been burnt. Some of the historical buildings have also been feared lost. Joy, any news of your family?

On ABC radio this morning a scientific bloke said that scientists has heard of the news of the fires with glee, I couldn't believe such a poor choice of words. He was referring to the fact that climate change sceptics would have to take scientists seriously, now they had been proven right. But glee??!!! to use such a word in the circumstances? If I could get hold of him I'd show him glee.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: freda underhill
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 05:20 PM

here is the latest..

February 07, 2009, Australian Associated Press

AT least 25 people have been killed in Victoria's worst bushfires since Ash Wednesday, with the death toll expected to rise.

"I can confirm that we now have 25 people dead at this point in time," Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said.
Most of the bodies were discovered in towns northeast of Melbourne - six at Kinglake, six at Kinglake West, four at Wandong and St Andrews, three at Humevale, and one each in Arthurs Creek and Bendigo.

At least six bodies were found in the one car at Kinglake, with reports that others may have been trying to escape the fire in cars.
Children are believed to be among the dead. But police have so far been unable to confirm the gender or ages of the victims.

Meanwhile, 18 people have been admitted to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital with burns and three are in a critical condition. Seven of the injured have burns to more than 30 per cent of their bodies.

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

I'm very glad your daughters and grandchildren are safe, Joybell.

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 06:08 PM

Jennie, the Bendigo fire is at Eaglehawk, about 12 km by road from where Dot & Wayne are living, tho as Wayne's family are 5th generation locals, he probably knows folks who live in that area.

I just spoke to them & the fire is nearer than I thought, but no danger to them.

map of victoria Bill is in Melbourne (middle, near the blue shield containing number 11), Joybell is near Hamilton (left of map, inland from coast) & my friends are in Bendigo (next to green B75). I'll be in Bendigo early March, a historic gold-mining town where 50 homes have been lost.

'Absolute devastation': Victoria gutted by deadly bushfires There are also video & audio links on this page

Nearly 60 bushfires burning across NSW Big fires are to the north & west of central Sydney, about 70km from CBD which is where I live.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 06:14 PM

"Glee" is indeed an unfortunate way of putting it. I've rubbed shoulders with many scientists, I'm a self-confessed Green. Nobody I've ever met in these fields would use this term or feel this way. Terms the press use at times, however, are a different matter.

Jennie -- On a happy note -- the little town were I bought your chocolates was saved. Looked like going most of yesterday -- but they saved it.

The Bendigo fire, while still serious, looks like being controlled.

The little towns in the Mountain Ash forest and the other forests east of Melbourne are in bad shape. Kinglake and Marysville may be completely lost. Being caught in a car in a bushfire is the stuff of nightmares. So hard to stay put in your home with a bushfire bearing down on you. There was no way to give the people of Kinglake enough warning to make an early decision about whether to go or stay.
Several of the warnings about other smaller, but still potentially life-threatening fires, state bluntly that there will be no fire crews available to help.

Just rang my daughter. She's going back home. For the moment their area is safe. "Mum the fire is at least ten minutes away!" She means up-wind I know. My other daughter is in a houseboat beside an island in a lake. She sent a photo on her mobile phone that just shows thick smoke. They should be OK too. She knows to stay put.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: nager
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 06:23 PM

I am in NSW just south of Newcastle and we have a big fire south of us at historic Catherine Hill Bay. We also had an idiot light three spot fires less than 200m from our home in the bushland but fortunately the firefighters got there in time to extinguish the flames before they took hold. We are now all holding our breath. About five years ago we had massive fires here with a home just up the road destroyed. My heart goes out to those who have lost their lives in Victoria.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 07:16 PM

nagar, Stay safe.
It seems we are getting better at pin-pointing the triggers for these fires. There's much more emphasis on individual causes rather than just broad statements. Not that we should ignore overall factors. It seems that more and more these fires are being stated as being-- deliberatly lit. Words fail us when we hear that. Sad to say I'm not in the least surprised.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: JennieG
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 08:10 PM

Good to hear that family and friends are safe. Isn't it ironic - floods in Queensland, the worst for 60 years it is said! If only we could get some of that flood water south to Victoria. I have other friends in Victoria too, at Bendigo and Newstead - Bendigo friend is OK, haven't heard from the other yet.

Joy, I'm glad to hear that Coleraine was saved, we haven't visited it yet.(Ozzie irony here) Those chocolates were yuuummmmmy.

"A sunburnt country" indeed.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 08:41 PM

I don't believe in capital punishment or wars bur reading this thread reminds me forcibly that I'm not really pacifistic: If I saw someone lighting a fire in circumstances such as these I'd be tempted to shoot him/her on the spot.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 08:47 PM

best wishes Nager


Wiped out: Town destroyed by killer fires + lots of audio

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 09:38 PM

Joy and Greg,
You know we're with you. Do whatever's needed to pull through this. I can't imagine your reality now.
Be safe!
Love to you both,

Art and Carol

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 10:07 PM

We're fine, Art and Carol. Thank you so much for your thoughts. Love back again.
Thank you Sandra -- for the update on Marysville.
I've walked those forests all over -- going back 50 years. I've sat at the top of the Murridindi falls. I've walked the tracks at Kinglake. I've pitched a tent in the forest at Noogee. I've shopped at the St Andrews Market. I know this country well. I've seen it burn -- but not like this.
Just now we grieve for the people and for the animals. Tomorrow, I fear, we'll also grieve for the whole forest.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 10:11 PM

Jennie, Newstead is away from any fires at the moment -- as we are. We have a friend there too. Central Victoria is very, very dry but there's not much to burn as a consequence.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: JennieG
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 01:39 AM

It's dreadful - one wants to turn on the news and know the facts, but it is all so terribly sad that it is hard to watch or listen. So many people dead, and hundreds of homes and businesses and farms gone. And of course the animals, native animals (wombats!) farm animals, pets. The hot temperatures that we have been whingeing about are nothing compared to the loss of family and home.

No cheers this time
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Bill S from Adelaide
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 04:32 AM

Ironically, it is 30 degrees colder today, we had rain in the night and showers today so it is all over for us, for now. Others are not so lucky and significant and well known towns have been wiped from the map. Fires are still burning out of control. The trouble becomes worse with the change, a long thin fire suddenly turns 90 degrees, presenting a 20-30 km firefront. Our fire crossed the railway which still has timber sleepers so the railway gangs are hard at work getting ready for the weekday service. Thanks for the good wishes above.
Bill

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: freda underhill
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 06:14 AM

the news just keeps getting worse. 84 people are confirmed dead in Victoria, more fatalities than in the 1983 Ash Wednesday blazes.

The fires are still burning.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 07:26 AM

Australia's worst bushfire disaster - 84 dead - surpassing the number of people who perished in the 1983 Ash Wednesday blazes.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 08:00 AM

Oh!

I had no idea this was happening until just now, reading this thread. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of so many other people in here, are with you all. I hope that rain comes soon, and the temperatures start to go down.

May you all stay safe.

With hugs to you all
Lizzie x

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Maryrrf
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 08:10 AM

I've been following the headlines and saw this morning that it had gotten worse. Adding my petitions to the Great Spirit that the fires will soon be brought under control

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Nessie
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 08:47 AM

Sounds like hell on earth for those caught up in it, our hearts go out to them. Images of residents with garden hoses against walls of flame, the heroic volunteers, the thought of families trapped in cars, a life's work gone, all cracked me up, and I can't bear to think of the wildlife & stock...
Here's us moaning about a few inches of snow in the UK - all part of man's impact on nature though sadly, in this case often abetted by sick arsonists. Willing rain your way.
Vanessa

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 09:09 AM

Please keep yourselves safe. All good thoughts coming your way.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 11:14 AM

Prayers for you in church this morning, and more good thoughts from me.

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: goatfell
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 01:14 PM

and family in Melbourne as well

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 02:00 PM

Joybell,
What's the news from your daughter and her family?
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Rowan
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 04:08 PM

I posted this
"Just a quickie to let those of you who know Lynne Stone, the Alleways and Frank & Mary (all from Marysville, where there's only four buildings left standing), they're all safe and relocated around Victoria. Lynne, and the Murphys have lost their houses but Dave and Di's house "is" 5km out of town and we don't yet know its status." on Sandra's "Good thoughts thread"

The news update this morning has 108 confirmed dead and at least 750 houses incinerated, 600 of which were at Kinglake (where I used to go rabbiting and orienteering in my youth); at Marysville there are only 4 buildings left standing. Fortunately, all the folkies who lived there are safe and have been relocated around Victoria until things settle down enough to find out exactly what's left. Adelaide friends have set up an email contact net to coordinate support for them.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Rowan
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 04:47 PM

Latest post from Billy on Ausfolk list has it that the Alleways' house survived the fires intact and that Dave's list of messages received is so long he'll be unable to respond for a while yet.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Janie
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 04:49 PM

Continued thoughts and prayers for all in haqrm's way.

The news articles are very frightening. Please, please, please, err on the side of caution and keep yourselves safe.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:04 PM

My posts aren't getting through. Will this one?

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Rowan
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:05 PM

There were reports on the news this morning that people in Kinglake could see the smoke column 25km away and thought they had time to get in their cars and leave. Two minutes later the fire was on top of them, it was moving so fast. I suspect many who drove off were caught in cars and even the short trees around there are at least 150' tall; the tall ones are more than 250' high. There were also reports that people who were "prepared" had too little time to start their pumps, the fire had moved so fast, so all their efforts relied on dry firefighting techniques. A bit tricky in temps as high as 46 C (130+ F) and winds of 120kph (70+ mph).

The Duty Fire Officer in Victoria was saying it will be at least a fortnight before they have anything like a full tally on casualties and infrastructure. And, even before the weekend's fires, Melbourne's morgue had received so many 'heat stress' cases it had space for only one more. The Alfred Hospital's burns unit had 18 at last count.

I'm sure your solace will be welcomed.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:11 PM

Dear god.....My thoughts are with all suffering this horror.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:23 PM

Funny that one did. Must be saying something I shouldn't.
Try again.

Thank you Rowan for the news about the Marysville crowd. We didn't know how to contact anyone for information. Mudcat is my life-line to the music world. We're feeling isolated and helpless out here. Safe of course. Dry and rainless but safe.

Thank you so much -- everyone -- for your messages of love and support.

One of my daughters, and 2 of her children, are in the path of one of the big fires -- but she'll be safe. She knows not to try and drive on the roads -- they are closed anyway. Her home is not under threat -- she's holidaying at Eildon.
My other daughter and her family are only a few kms away from a smaller fire -- but it's heading the other way. Launching Place for anyone who knows the area. They'll be ok unless the big fire to the south changes direction.
She says she wouldn't dare do anything silly because I'd nag her about bushfire safety even into the grave and way beyond.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:28 PM

Here's the bit that wouldn't post. Trying again. Maybe it's me.

...Speaking of help there's a site run by the ABC where people are offering help of all kinds. It's moving the way people are reacting. There are offers that range from whole homes for free, to a student who says he doesn't have much but he'll give his tent and share his clothes "Male medium sized". There are people offering help for pets and wild animals. A young woman wanting to make sandwiches because that's what she does best...

Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:29 PM

Hmmm. Me then.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: pdq
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:59 PM

46 degree Celsius = 114.8 degree Fahrenheit

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Joybell
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 06:32 PM

And out here we had 47. Thanks pdq.

Subject: RE: BS: Bushfires in Australia - Feb 2009
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 06:56 PM

Thanks for the temperature comparisons -- I've got to look up a converter and maybe even start thinking Celsius as well as Fahrenheit -- never too late to learn a new language.

Been holding you all in our hearts and thoughts -- stay safe.

Rain and relief from the blazing temperatures are being prayed for.

Linn