Re: The fires.

My sypathy to you and your family Ian.

The temp had been over 40c (104F) for some days and it has been VeryVERY dry
for several years.
The wind got up and the travelling fire front was irresistable,
The best laid fire plans failed for many because the speed was so high.

One family survived by going to the cellar (Rare in Australia) closing the
Steel door at the top of the stairs, watched the door glo red in parts then
drank some of the wine in the cellar and waited till they thought it might
be safe.

The current death toll is 181. I think with more than 1000 homes and other
buildings destroyed.

For some  heart rending pictures look here.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/gallery/0,22010,5037339-5006020,00.html

In some places the trees are still green but the houses are gone and in lots
of places isolated objects survived unscathed for no apparent reason.

John G.

Thanks, its a very sad time for friends and relatives of those who've died
and those who've lost everything..

Does anyone know why so many people were overwhelmed in their houses?

   Ian, you have my deepest sympathy. This horrific event has deeply
affected everyone directly and indirectly.

   Coles stores in Australia will be donating their profits for next
Friday to the Red Cross bushfire appeal, see
http://www.coles.com.au/about/community/bushfire_appeal/?WT.mc_id=COLES_BushFire
Appeal

How little we can say.
How little we can do.
Now is the time to dig deep, and say silently with our pockets what we have
difficulty saying out loud.

redcross.org.au
salvos.org.au

There was another UK family on the news today who've been touched by the
tragedy, I'm sure the same will be true for many other places in the world
too.

My cousin wasn't actually killed by the fire itself, he collapsed with a
heart attack as he arrived at my aunt's property to help.

My condolences also Ian,

We went through the strain of trying to find out about a nephew and his
family in Upper Plenty, about half way between Kilmore and King Lake. We
spent Christmas day with them.

We found they were at a hall oval, surrounded by fire trucks Sunday
morning. They have lost their house, but at least they are still alive.

Now living with a sister at Baccush Marsh.

My eldest daughter and her family, was living in Strathewen until they
recently returned to Darwin. Most people in the road (Bowden Spur Road)
lost their homes and lives.

I think almost everyone in Australia will find some sort of personal
connection to this tragedy.

Don...

Thanks.

Aunt Irma emigrated when I was very young and only visited England rarely,
I've never met my cousin.

Irma was my mothers closest sister so she is very upset.

 I offer my condolences, Ian.

RIP an aunt and a cousin.