Parts of Australia are on fire

[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.