How are our Aussie bros making out?
 

Can we get a check in from you guys? Everybody down there OK?

Best of luck to you all down under!

The reports I've read sound terrible.

FYI, there are a couple of posts from Owen and Kevin in the "OT-Photos of interest..." thread.

Bill J

what happened?

There was a major earthquake in Australia and 1/3 of the country's land mass fell into the ocean. The tsunami is expected to inundate the United States in 2 days, sending water as far inland as Utah, but the government is so focused on passing a bailout plan that they don't want to panic the populace any further with stories of this impending disaster. Besides, you wouldn't be able to get very many people evacuated in the short time that's left between now and the tsunami.

Or they're talking about the heat wave of weeks above 110* F and the wildfires that have been raging in Oz and have been all over the news for the last, oh, two weeks or so...

Ouch!

I think most of us on who post on this board are out of harms way (I REALLY hope so!), but my heart goes out to anyone involved with the fires.
It's quite devistating (as some of you on the west coast would know).
It has now become our worst peace time dissaster in regard to loss of life. If it's not already this morning, it's expected to be well over 200 dead. It was 180 last night.
But thousands are out of home.

It's the only thing on the news here I'll tell you.
And the Country Fire Association is under attack for their "Fight or Flee" recommendations to the people living on the bush. IE: Leave early, or dig in for the fight.....
Most of those that dug in didn't make it!

One of the ONLY positive things about such an event is that it make the community rally together for their mates.
Every man and his dog are doing what they can for the people misplaced from their homes.

I hope anyone involved pulls through ok. Both physically and mentally.


Ant

I have ridden a bit in the country areas of Australia where the fires have occurred. Whilst they are visually & asthetically beautiful (Lots of trees & mountains etc) it is a very dangerous place to live. One of the villages (Kinglake) that was burnt to the ground & people killed, was totalled about 15 years ago, in very much the same circumstances. If you live in that environement you have to be prepared to take the risks that go along with it. It could be equally said, that why do people live near volcanos (Auckland) or earthquake fault lines (San Fransisco). we all have our reasons. Notwithstanding, it is still devastating when you see young kids & families burnt to death. Current death toll is up to 181 & some are expecting it may reach 300.:(

Sorry to hear about all that has happened to your country. Hope and pray for you all to make a recovery you can live with.

Most will never see a wild fire. It is to be feared. The Aussies are a resilient people and will move on. I'm saddened by the loss of life and loved ones. Pray for cooler winds.

We are OK (edit I mean as in chewie and family - checking in) although someone rang early this morning having been told we had lost our home - no, we are not in any trouble.

The Firees are concerned about the two biggest fires merging and becoming one massive wall.

Here is an interactive fire map that you can get plenty of info on. Showing where all the fires are with News to go with it, I think it updates itself, so it is probably a good site to check on.

http://mp3.news.com.au/hwt/Victoria_fire/index.html

click on 'Play Interactive'

Everyone I know is helping in one way or another.

When the chips are down, I dont think it changes most anywhere in the world, we all get in there and help somehow.

Finding it hard to imagine and to think about the hell some must be in. We can support those that need it and that's what we are doing.

I am safe in the 'burbs of Melbourne (abt 25km from the nearest flames) but I know some of the areas that have been burnt out pretty well. There are some great twisty roads in those places, I have scraped the pegs on some of those corners, and stopped in the towns for a coffee and chat, and what has happened had been sad and terrifying. People I know are missing, and an old school friend of my son's is confirmed dead, it seems he ran out of the house and was trying to save his sister. Utterly heartbreaking.
It has been truly comforting to have messages from people around the world, voicing concern and support. Bad situation here, not over yet but the worst of times bring out the best in people.

I assume that most of the devistation is taking place in the outback where the small towns and stations are located.

Hello Chewie,

Sorry about the loss of your home, but I am Glad that you and your family are safe, Please keep me posted on how things are going with you and our fellow Aussie pelican board members. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Anyone know about Lennie's situation?

I’m 80km west of Sydney in the Blue Mountain, no fires in the area and it’s been raining for a couple of days now.
It’s all forest around here and we expect a major fire every 7-10 years on average, although it’s rare to loose any home or lives, probably because being close to a major city we have more fire fighting resources.
I am shocked and bewildered at the devastation and loss of life in Victoria, about 1000km south, and will be very interested to find out why the loss of life is so great. Some useful lessons to be learned no doubt.

Weather conditions in circumstances like that just make it nearly impossible to stop large fires of that nature. Given the sort of terrain, limited roads, and limited fire fighting resources I'm not overly surprised that the fires have been so devastating. Unless you've been in the middle of one of these things and experienced it first hand it's pretty baffling. I lost one truck in my early career when the wind turned 180 degrees from the way it had been blowing and pushed the fire right back over the top of us. Oxygen content went down so rapidly that both the truck engine, and separate pump engine, both stalled out at the same time. Not sure how we got out of that one.

My sincere prayers go out to the fine people of Australia, and I pray that the weather will change soon!

Bill J

I was just watching one of the American news programs earlier this morning. Interesting to see their reporting.

Our news have been showing a video of Sam the Koala being given water by a fireman and said it was so dehydrated it consumed 3 bottles. She looks very placid and easy to handle. Apparently this vision has been shown all around the world.

My brother in law was told to leave his property and refused. Not very clever in my view, but thankfully the fires moved around his area. This is one area that will have to be addressed when the time comes.

There is so much happening. Australians have responded amazingly with donations and help of all kinds. It really is wonderful to see.

Of course there are some frustrations with delays allowing people back into some areas to see their properties and look after animals etc. but most understand the huge job the authorities have in responding to coronial investigations, suspected arson (crime scenes) in some cases, looters, and general safety because of live power, unsafe trees etc.

They are still very concerned about the possibility of two main fires joining up.

Thanks to board members for kind thoughts, even though most of us are well away from the area it is appreciated.

whoo up there Tom :)

no loss of home - someone got told that (how/why I do not know) and rang us - we are a long way away, no home lost here. Sorry if that earlier post was confusing? I was just saying that someone thought we had lost our place - they then told a friend of my Mrs and 'said friend' rang up leaving a worried message on Mrs (Kates) mobile that she was sorry we had lost our home - but we hadn't!

Phew - maybe I need to be a little more clear..

+1 Kev, cheers all

and Lennie is in Tazzie isn't he?


Col - BXR12NT - whats happening?

PS
Hard to beleive as we are getting rain here - it's just not getting up to where it needs to.

Hello Chewie,

I am Glad that you are fine and your Home as well :D