AUSTRALIAN BUSH FIRES

Ian · 8th January 2020, 11:55 PM

These fires are the worst and most extensive since Europeans arrived in Australia (i.e., since late 18th C).

I have relatives in N.E. Victoria who have been hit. Last week they lost their homes and sheds on their dairy farm. Fortunately the livestock were safe and they rescued their fodder. They are walking their cows to a neighbor's farm to milk them. They were a victim of "ember attack" from bushfires 10 km away that were fanned by 100 km/h winds on a day when temperatures in the state exceeded 46ºC. About three-fourths of the farms in their district were totally destroyed. Other areas of the state were worse off. So far, only 27 deaths have been reported state-wide--far fewer than expected for fires of this intensity and coverage. The emergency services have done a remarkable job, helped by firefighters flying in from New Zealand and the U.S.

Thanks go out to all those who are helping. Thanks too for those of you who commented here. It is possible that some of these fires were lit deliberately. A dozen people have been arrested in NSW alone for suspected arson. As Alan notes, the penalties are severe but can never make up for the loss of life and property such people cause.

Ian

8th January 2020, 11:55 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,430	These fires are the worst and most extensive since Europeans arrived in Australia (i.e., since late 18th C). I have relatives in N.E. Victoria who have been hit. Last week they lost their homes and sheds on their dairy farm. Fortunately the livestock were safe and they rescued their fodder. They are walking their cows to a neighbor's farm to milk them. They were a victim of "ember attack" from bushfires 10 km away that were fanned by 100 km/h winds on a day when temperatures in the state exceeded 46ºC. About three-fourths of the farms in their district were totally destroyed. Other areas of the state were worse off. So far, only 27 deaths have been reported state-wide--far fewer than expected for fires of this intensity and coverage. The emergency services have done a remarkable job, helped by firefighters flying in from New Zealand and the U.S. Thanks go out to all those who are helping. Thanks too for those of you who commented here. It is possible that some of these fires were lit deliberately. A dozen people have been arrested in NSW alone for suspected arson. As Alan notes, the penalties are severe but can never make up for the loss of life and property such people cause. Ian