Victorian bushfires 2009

Sam the Koala raises $300,000 for CFA

Isnt he so cute : )

209 now dead as at today - 7,000 homeless.

A Powerpoint slide show has been circulating of the wonderful artists garden that used to exist at Marysville. GWH and I had attempted to go there on our way through the region last year (and ran out of time), so it is particularly poignant to see the wonderful works of art that used to exist. It was like a fairy land in a rainforest. It's sad to see what happens when wild fires go through. They don't only destroy lives, they destroy everything in their path.

Mem

CFA issue fresh fire warnings

Once upon a time, these places were all country but now they are so built up and becoming suburban - one of my sons friends families live out there

I feel so sorry for these firefighters having to put up with these bloody idiots and thats putting it mildly...
Someone has been trying to start a fire for a week in Upwey - but they were quicker than them this time...

We saw the Upwey fire starting from a distance - the smoke coming up - One of the ladies hubbys was trying to get in to get his dad who is 83 and doesnt drive.. but the roads are all blocked - you cant go in..

Its windy here tonight which makes me wonder what damage we will hear tomorrow morning...

MORE than 200 schools and 146 child centres will close tomorrow as Victoria prepares for a scorcher tomorrow.

Interesting - as some of those schools are no where near the fire

You've got kids at home today, eh, Tushy?

No lol - my daughter went to school : ) tho must admit was concerned about her as the smoke was pretty thick -- wasnt that much wind this morning so was hard on the lungs and whatever else
People are suffering with all this......

I gotta hand it to these firefighters - they are amazing in what they do and to think so many are volunteers - how they get these fires controlled and contained so quickly beats me........ There is no way I could do it when you see the size of those flames..:huh:

The thought that so many companies give them a hard time through the summer season not wanting to pay for them being off fighting fires

That story was unreal that I read the other day Survival Mode just shows how risky their job is fighting fires for the community

Three Cheers to those Men -- and Women

Here, here. The volunteer firefighters are brilliant, as are the SES folks. Let's not forget the professionals who work in these sorts of jobs, either. Hell, they risk their lives to help others! We in the ACT really feel for those who get killed or injured in the process of helping others, particularly after losing a firefighter last week.

And of course, those poor unfortunate people who have lost loved ones and possessions during this horrible month. Many of them were also heroic helping their neighbours and protecting their families. Our hearts go out to them, and we'll help any way we can.

Mem

Victorians are being warned to be ready for fire conditions that could be as bad as Black Saturday when strong winds and high temperatures hit the state tomorrow

Not again : (