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

jagabuwana · 10th January 2020, 04:37 AM

They're so horrible.

Alan I see that fire might be edging scarily close. You're in my thoughts and please keep us updated.

A. G. Maisey · 10th January 2020, 07:33 AM

Thanks Jaga.

Actually pretty OK today, they promised highly dangerous conditions, but these have not eventuated.

Last Saturday was real bad news though. Didn't touch me, but too close for comfort.

Green · 10th January 2020, 10:52 AM

Alan, Gavin and the rest of the Australian forummers, you're all in my thought and prayers too . Hope all of you are safe and the fire will be completely put out and over soon.

I stayed in Tasmania from 1974-1980 and even back then bush fires occurred every summer. In fact in our botany studies in the university bush fires were considered a part (an essential part in fact) of the ecology of Australian forest lifecycle. But bush fires of even a tenth of the current magnitude was unheard off back then.

Ian · 10th January 2020, 01:18 PM

Green, these fires will burn for months yet--smoldering embers and fire within a tree can take a long time to burn out. We still have two months of very hot summer weather to go. The only consolation really is that many of the high fuel/high risk areas have been hit already, but there is still plenty more that could burn and flare up of existing fires could still occur. Our fire season in Victoria runs through the end of May!

8th January 2020, 11:55 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,420	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

10th January 2020, 04:37 AM	#2
jagabuwana Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 291	They're so horrible. Alan I see that fire might be edging scarily close. You're in my thoughts and please keep us updated.

10th January 2020, 07:33 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,030	Thanks Jaga. Actually pretty OK today, they promised highly dangerous conditions, but these have not eventuated. Last Saturday was real bad news though. Didn't touch me, but too close for comfort.

10th January 2020, 10:52 AM	#4
Green Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Malaysia Posts: 323	Alan, Gavin and the rest of the Australian forummers, you're all in my thought and prayers too . Hope all of you are safe and the fire will be completely put out and over soon. I stayed in Tasmania from 1974-1980 and even back then bush fires occurred every summer. In fact in our botany studies in the university bush fires were considered a part (an essential part in fact) of the ecology of Australian forest lifecycle. But bush fires of even a tenth of the current magnitude was unheard off back then.

10th January 2020, 01:18 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,420	Green, these fires will burn for months yet--smoldering embers and fire within a tree can take a long time to burn out. We still have two months of very hot summer weather to go. The only consolation really is that many of the high fuel/high risk areas have been hit already, but there is still plenty more that could burn and flare up of existing fires could still occur. Our fire season in Victoria runs through the end of May!