Parts of Australia are on fire

[crenn]

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109226935524884968309.00046252015ee6beb4fca&ll=-36.75649,145.129395&spn=2.442569,4.943848&source=embed

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25024427-2,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25024207-421,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25024171-1243,00.html

Our town hasn't been hit yet... but kinglake has, and that's not too far from me.

[KiLLERMAN21]

There was a house fire 3 streets from me yesterday, me and my brother went down and had a look, and he had to help out with the hoses. I was very proud of him :D

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah real shocking. Down south we have had a heatwave and up north they have gotten their yearly rainfall in less than 24 hours.

We had a fire down our road, literally 300m from our place. I was ready to run with LEXA lol.

[billygoat333]

hope everyone down under is safe!

[simon275]

Little update. So far 108 people have been killed by the fire. 80+ people are in hospital. 750 homes have been lost. I myself live in a different state so I am safe from the fires. The army has been called in to help. It is the worst natural disaster in our nations history.

The fire moves so fast that people have gone out to the shops to get carton of milk and come back and found their house has been burnt to the ground. A lot of people have been burnt to death in their cars trying to escape the fire.

Some of the fires have been lit by arsonists. Some of these people have even been re lighting fires in areas where fires have been put out.

The death toll will continue to rise.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Originally they said around 20 people killed. At the end of the first day they were saying 200+, I dunno where it stands now.

[simon275]

128 now.

[Drum Thumper]

Anyone heard from Dont-Fear? I know he's good friends with one of ya. Hopefully he's safe.

Having dealt first hand with wildfires, I have a pretty good idea what you guys are going through. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

[TheGreatSatan]

And Bucko's family!

[The boy 4rm oz]

KILLERMAN, DF and I all live down in South Australia. I am up in the hills and they are the other side of town. I haven't talked to DF since the weekend but he has been active on Xfire, as has Killer so I'm guessing they are safe.

We are lucky, we have had a few fires in S.A, had a big one that destroyed a couple million dollar Tuna plants but nothing to the extent of the rest of Australia. We usually get it really bad. Global Warming is screwing everything up.

[theshoeshineman]

Yeah I was quite supprised (and happy) that we didn't get any really really bad fires during the two weeks of 40+ degree weather.

I didn't realise it was so bad.

[KiLLERMAN21]

Yes, DF is fine, our (Me, DF and TB4O) are hasnt been hit too severly with fires, thankfully, unlike Victoria. Hopefully soon the bushfires there will be under control, and theyll catch the bastards that like them. Good luck to all that live in Vic.

[crenn]

According to the CFA website, there is a fire 10km away. I can't find out much more but I'm worried.

[The boy 4rm oz]

They recon the toll may be 230 now.

[crenn]

The official toll is 134 currently.

[simon275]

And Bucko's family!

They live well away from the fires. Don't worry.

[Luke122]

Glad to hear that everyone is safe! Keep it that way! :D

While I dont agree with the phrase "Global Warming", I do agree that it is a real thing. "Climate Change" is probably a better way to describe it since so many people always say "Global warming my ass! It's colder than ever here!" or something stupid like that.

On the topic of fires and MIA modders, has anyone heard from Airbozo? I remember hearing about some fires in California, and he's been gone for quite awhile! Hope he's ok too!

[DaveW]

While I dont agree with the phrase "Global Warming", I do agree that it is a real thing. "Climate Change" is probably a better way to describe it since so many people always say "Global warming my ass! It's colder than ever here!" or something stupid like that.

While the quick spread is attributed to unnaturally high temperatures, the source of the fire is said to be arsonists. We'll have to see about that.



On the topic of fires and MIA modders, has anyone heard from Airbozo? I remember hearing about some fires in California, and he's been gone for quite awhile! Hope he's ok too!

Airbozo's ok, I heard from him a few hours ago. :)

-Dave

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah arsons are to blame. We don't have the death penalty here in Australia but if the culpret is found they will probably be killed before trial.

They are callingit the worst natural disaster in Australian history.

[simon275]

If they could ever have a fair trial as all the jury would want to send them down.

Also the toll now stands at 173 people and 750 homes. Both tolls are still on the rise.

[crenn]

We're still on standby, we haven't been told to evacuate, but according to the CFA website, there is still a large fire within 10km of us.

[DaveW]

If I was you Crenn I'd be getting prepared right now. Anything you can keep safe, do it. Possibly bury anything too big to carry that could survive the process, might protect it from the fire if you have to evacuate in a hurry.

Pack some food, water, etc. Maybe your family photos and stuff. Just be prepared. We're holding out for all the aussies tonight. Good luck mate.

-Dave

[Omega]

We're still on standby, we haven't been told to evacuate, but according to the CFA website, there is still a large fire within 10km of us.

10km? get the hell out of there.

I was reading reports from ozzies on another fourm I'm on about the fires moving at 100kph in some areas...

Within 10km, I'd seriously just up and leave right now if I were you. Fill the car and get the hell out. It'd be a lot less hassle than being woken up in the middle of the night by a fire outside your house.

[crenn]

The thing is, we don't have accurate reports of where the fires are, so I'm not sure if it's within 10km or 100km.

As for fires moving at 100kph, that was because of a few factors. Mainly the winds on saturday and also the amount of fuel available (most of victoria is a tinder box really). As for the fire that did it, that was the kinglake complex.... the same fire that may or may not be nearby. Until we know something, we're staying for now. We have some preparations, however, we can only do so much with very little knowledge. If we get reports that fires hit a certain town, we'll be gone very shortly after.

[The boy 4rm oz]

One thing you missed out crenn was that fires create their own wind, a fire storm. It is quite natural for fires like that to hit 100Kmh.

Current toll is about 184 with fears of fatalities of more than 300. Specialists are blaming the Victorian Government for not preparing. Legislation was brought in in 2002 for all states/territories to plan and execute a bush fire defense strategy. This includes adequate back burning and making sure they have adequate facilities and supplies to see them through the difficult times. Victoria has this to an extent but no where good enough.

[crenn]

One thing you missed out crenn was that fires create their own wind, a fire storm. It is quite natural for fires like that to hit 100Kmh.
That's true, but natural wind is also needed.

[The boy 4rm oz]

That is also very true and you guys in Vic did have it pretty tough with the wind. We finally got a bit of rain in S.A and you guys have a huge band of cloud comming your way. I hope it helps.

[crenn]

That is also very true and you guys in Vic did have it pretty tough with the wind. We finally got a bit of rain in S.A and you guys have a huge band of cloud comming your way. I hope it helps.

I hope it helps too, according to one of my sources within the CFA, the Kinglake complex has been contained. There is still a threat, but it's lower.

[theshoeshineman]

I don't understand the fire warning systems they put in place in SA. It's just as confusing as before if you ask me.

My biggest fear is to wake up late one morning after getting a chance to sleep in to turn on the TV and see evacuation routes out of the city being displayed ... oh crap what did I miss?? :|

I was in VIC last month at the grampians and you could still see the effects of the fires they had a few years ago. Infact after going hiking my pants were covered in charcol after brushing against the trees.

Hopefully this cool change will atleast make it a bit easier for the firefighters even if it doesn't have much of a impact on the fire itself.

[Drum Thumper]

As I am sure our Australian members are well aware, there have been two arrests made (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/11/australia.bushfire/index.html?eref=rss_topstories).

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yep 2 arrests but the Police have cleared both suspects. They are still in custody for their own safety. The public will blame anyone at the moment. When or if these people/s get cought I have a feeling they will be mysterially murdered before the court date.

[gramatton]

Damn, I must live in a hole(which i do) because I just heard about the extent of the fires today. I'm glad everyone's ok.

I think you're right about the arsonists though, either they turn up dead before trial, or the jury moves to repeal the law against the death penalty, just for these guys.

[crenn]

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_updates.htm


Residents in the Diamond Valley and Whittlesea areas, including communities in the vicinity of Arthurs Creek, Christmas Hills, Doreen, Humevale, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Mernda, Nutfield, Panton Hill, Pheasant Creek, St Andrews, Strathewen, Wattle Glen, Whittlesea and Yan Yean need to be aware that fire activity continues behind control lines in the area. No properties in the area are under threat at this time.

DSE and CFA are reminding communities in the areas surrounding the fires to activate their bushfire survival plans. For those choosing to leave this evening, the Relief Centres at Whittlesea and Yea will be open this evening. Please be aware of increased traffic on the roads with people choosing to leave as part of their bushfire survival plans.

Oh crap.... Wattle Glen is the town next to mine.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Oh crap, I'd get moving if I were you. The fires used to be daily news in Adelaide but I haven't heard much for the best part of a week now.

[chaksq]

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_updates.htm



Oh crap.... Wattle Glen is the town next to mine.
GET OUT OF THERE!!! Seriously dude, I believe I can safely say everyone on TBCS would like you to stay safe.

[crenn]

I'm at uni currently, so I'm in a safe zone, but more amazing is the fact that this morning there was quite a bit of light rain.

Wattle Glen is the furthest away from the fire, but was put on alert due to what happened on Black Saturday.

[simon275]

I'm at uni currently, so I'm in a safe zone, but more amazing is the fact that this morning there was quite a bit of light rain.

Wattle Glen is the furthest away from the fire, but was put on alert due to what happened on Black Saturday.

Yeah those fires moved dam quick. That was a sad day.

[crenn]

It's Raining!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Was here today also, got 17.9mm at home with another big black rain front rolling in with heavy winds. We need the rain but you Victorians need it more.