Thoughts for those in bush fire regions

[mbselections00]

Hi all,

With bush fires raging in 3 States - lives and homes at risk, just wanted to share - thoughts are with those who may be effected and so hope it is does not effect anyone here

A sad start to the New Year for many . . . . . . . .

[punch*drunk]

This just came up in my facebook newsfeed, thought it was a good idea in light of recent discussion re animals and bushfires. Its for people that live in high fire danger areas and would normally need to leave pets on home on bad days when they go off to work etc.

Eastern Melbourne Fire-Ready Pet Lovers

https://www.facebook.com/groups/297770970430657/

This group is for people who may need a safe place to leave their pets (any kind of pet) on extreme fire danger days in summer, and for people who may be willing to mind pets on high fire days. (Note all pet minding is at the owner's and minder's risk, most minding is done at no charge, and that any financial or other reward for the service is negotiated privately between the two parties involved.)

[aps1080]

Sorry, here is the link to the story

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2899039/Lucky-homeowner-reveals-heroic-effort-neighbours-fou...

[the_hawk*]

Looking at the pictures I see a wonker walking around a fire site with shorts, Tshirt and wearing sandal's, and I would put money on it that his property was just as prepared as he was. 

We were not in direct danger but I had my plan in place that included having my property prepared, 4 hi pressure very long hoses set up around the property, buckets of water and heavy boots, thick cotton denin jeans and and my bike leather jacket ready

[the_hawk*]

Looking at the weather radar it looks like some serious rain in the hills, I hope its enough before the big storm and winds hit this afternoon.

Issued at 12:49 pm Wednesday, 7 January 2015.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to develop and produce damaging wind gusts of 90 to 120 km/h in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include the Adelaide metropolitan area and the Mount Lofty Ranges, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Renmark, Mount Gambier and Ceduna.

[chameleon54]

Its currently 40 degrees and 30 kmh. winds where I am around 70 km. from the SA fires. I checked the weather for immediate fire zone and looks to be mid to high 30,s with a bit of wind. A large fire like the one in SA makes its own wind patterns so it could be pretty scary up there at the moment.

Our thoughts are with those battling the fires and with the poor families directly affected. I am considering taking my skid steer loader up there once the fire is out to help those directly affected clean up and rebuild. Once a big fire goes through it just takes everything.  Even if the house is saved, the task of rebuilding fencelines, sheds, stock yards and water systems is enormous and takes a huge toll on the families concerned..

[the_hawk*]

hmmm great lighting strike and new fires within a KM of here, just saw on Ten news fire trucks are leaving the hills fires to hit these new fires on the plains

[chameleon54]

Those lightning storms have a habit of lighting up numbers of fires across the plains. I was travelling between Wellington and Strathalbyn several years ago when a storm came through and lit up dozens of fires over a 50 km. stretch up to Tailem bend.. It was just crazy with the fires coming within a few hundred metres of houses and no-one home, or to be seen anywhere.

The 000 line was log jammed and it took over half an hour to report the fires. I stopped and helped a dairy farmer who had a fire directly behind his house. Got it out and kept driving with spot fires on the sides of the road unattended, which we just drove past. Later a torential downpour put them all out.

[katymatey*]

Stay safe hawk. You sound well prepared, but for goodness sake leave if you think you need to.

[twyngwyn]

Huge thunderstorm now over Adelaide foothills...no rain here yet....keep fingers crossed

[the_hawk*]

Thanks Katy it has just rained quite heavy now and one of the closest fires is now listed as out and I am sure the second we now be dealt with quickly with the aid of the rain to help the firies