OT: Vic Fires

[minisoopercooper]

Looks horrific and my thoughts are with you all - stay safe

[rellik666]

If anyone wants to help please donate to the red cross appeal, Australian Red Cross.

The genorosity shown by the Victorian and Australian people has been overwhelming. It seems that everyone wants to help.

["Megan"]

Our thoughts are with everyone who have been affected by this tragedy. To lose everything must be devastating, but to also lose friends and neighbours is just unimaginable. Just feel so sad.

That whole area was truly a magical place, one of the best drives I have been on was through Healsville, Toolangi and Marysville back in October. I can understand why people will want to rebuild their lives there, although it will be extremely hard.

Sadly it sometimes takes a tragedy like this to bring the best out in people, but it makes me proud to be an Aussie to see the great Aussie spirit alive and well, despite the circumstances.

[Hipsi]

Saw this photo in the Gold Coast Bulletin this morning. I'm just lost for words. I can barely begin to understand what it would be like to be directly affected/involved.

[J u s t]

It's reached 173 deaths already.

[yellowmininy]

I've seen the news from over here. How horrible! We'll be thinking of everyone affected from here.

[MickyD]

amazing photos from the Boston Post

Bushfires in Victoria, Australia - The Big Picture - Boston.com

[minigolf]

Amazing pics Micky, thanks for the link.

The melted alloy wheels are !

[MickyD]

Here is a scale of bushfire intensity. It's based on energy produced, in kW/m.

20-500 Low intensity, patchy burn (the intensity prescribed for most fuel reduction burns). Rapid recovery of ecosystems. Attack on the headfire is relatively easy
500-1700 Moderate intensity, little damage to ecosystems Direct attack usually succeeds, but headfire must be “pinched in” from the flanks
1700-3500 Medium intensity, trees are killed, no or few unburnt patches. Very slow recovery of ecosystems Direct attack not likely to be successful on head or flank fires
3500-7000+ High intensity, extensive and long-lasting damage to ecosystems Crown fires occur - suppression impossible
20,000+ Extreme fire behaviour, ecosystems wiped out Mass fires, firestorms - suppression impossible

Saturday's fire was 80,000kW/m.

[rellik666]

Blimey! It just keeps getting worse....

[pw4]

With some rain at last, the fire in the Donna Buang / Warburton / Healesville area has today finally be downgraded to "contained" HOORAY!!! Which means it's still burning but they're pretty confident it will stay behind control lines and the locals can be back at home safely. This is still part of the Kinglake & Marysville fire from 3+ weeks ago, and the other part up near Lake Eildon is still rated as uncontrolled.

I love God's sense of humour. Everyone was worried about the extreme winds on Tuesday, and he sent the rain along with them! it was beautiful.

[jerseymike68]

Nice pictures

[MickyD]

I went back to Marysville today for the first time since the fires... compare and contrast these pics with that picture in the first post. It is a VERY sobering place to visit, though there was a big BBQ on today for Cup Day, and heaps of people around which was good to see.

this photo is from almost exactly the same place as that first photo:

[Mike Clarke]

Thanks for the update Micky.
The media seems to have moved on to other stories but there's still a long way to go for the survivors.

[rellik666]

Yes and there is still a long way to go in solving the problems that caused the devistation. It is all about new building standards and blame rather than the cause and what to do. I understand that there is blame to be laid but as the new bush fire season has already started, there needs to be more action.

Anyhow, people are going back to the affected areas and bringing in Money. We have been up there a few times and although the devistation is horrific, there is a lot of hope and activity.

Plenty of rejuvination going on.

Thanks for the Photos Micky.