Back! And bloody hell ...

[blamebrampton]

Am back in Sydney, where the expected 47 degrees was a merciful 32 instead. But the air is dirty with smoke, and I am hiding inside where there is an air conditioner and iced water.

Mostly I am worried about my friends in Victoria. Jamie and Mere, are you two still all right? Blindmouse, where are you? Push and feral, if by chance you read this, I know you're in town, but how are your people? I have three friends and their families out on properties in the broad rural regions around Melbourne, and have not heard back from SMSes, possibly because my phone company is crap and can take ages to deliver them, possibly because they have their phones at the bottom of their bags as they evacuate to safer ares. Nothing for it but to wait until they have time to call back, until then I'll keep fingers and toes crossed.

It is truly horrible there now, at least 65 people have died in the fires and over 600 homes have been lost. I remember the Canberra fires a few years ago, and reading about Ash Wednesday, but these fires have taken a worse toll despite the improved fire fighting and better communications. The countryside is so dry and the air so hot that there is nothing to stop them. A wall of flame races faster than any car, burning people when they are trapped inside vehicles whose tires have melted to the road. I selfishly hope that none of my friends have been touched by the devastation, but when things are so bad that the state Premier and nation's Prime Minister are both moved to tears, how is anyone untouched? 

They say that some of the fires were lit by arsonists, and are looking for the culprits. I hope that the police find them, for they will then go to trial. If they are found by the residents, I do not think their fate will be so easy.

There are birthday wishes to send and news from New Zealand, but I will make a happier post for them. For now, good luck, Victorians.

Comments

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

Hey honey. I'm fine. We're close in near the city, so we're only affected by proximity and anxiety, and profound sadness and frustration.

It's not just a tragedy, but once again these fires are for the most part the result of arson - and I've heard that there are reports of arsonists going back and relighting fires that have been contained. I haven't had a chance to confirm this yet. Regardless - there should be a special law for anyone who can do this. The human cost is only the tip of the fiery iceberg.

I watched the fireball march into Canberra as the house we lived in was pelted with fire and ash, and had workmates who lost their homes in Duffy. I never thought I'd see quite such a disaster again, and certainly not this soon.

I'm sorry you had to come home to such a mess. I hope the folk up there in NSW are faring better.

*clings*

ps. phone services are very patchy across rural areas. between power lines and phone lines going out and mobile towers being burnt out, and the stress on the networks, it's very dodgy.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Just heard from the people I was most worried about, they are fine and have had safe calls from all but one of the extended group. I have two other friends who are on a property who we haven't heard from yet, but they have good fire plans and are very sensible and cautious people.

SO glad that you are all right, keep your lungs away from that air!

So far NSW is but little affected when it comes to people and property. But our hearts are aching for the Victorians, it's so very horrible.

I saw the Canberra fires and the Sydney fires of 93-94 (which burned down my old house, happily one I had moved out of three months before and no one had moved into), but at least with those there was a lot of warning and many exit roads. This is so very much worse. And as for the arsonists, there are no words.

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

Oh, I am so glad your people are ok so far, and I hope that the others check in with you soon.

It's all just too much right now. I've donated to the Red Cross, and once my tests results come back on Tuesday hopefully I should be ok to donate blood as well. It feels like so little. Once I can get C's attention I'm going to see what of our horse gear might be of use. If any of the rescue centres are close enough I will see if I can be of use there, because nursing and managing horses is one thing I can do, if they'll have me.

Lungs are fine so far - we've been very lucky with the air quality in Melbourne. Hopefully that won't change, but if it means the affected areas are getting rain or relief, I'll deal.

Thank you for your thoughts and concern Brammers. It means a lot.

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

Mere, my dear! I hadn't realised yesterday when I commented on your post just how bad it is round your way. I've since seen pics of the fires and read more about it, and OMG, it's horrible! It's so good to hear that you're still all right.

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

Thank you, darling. I'm fine, but the news just keeps getting worse and worse. Frankly, it's just getting too big and ugly to comprehend.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

I have the stupid BSE rule stopping me with blood. I might do my dodgy Australian accent and lie through my teeth, since I was a vegan through the whole period. Good idea with the horse rescue centres, I just hope that some made them out. Hearing people cry over their dogs and cats is just heartbreaking.

Fingers crossed for rain, and that things will be less awful than expected when they get into the towns properly.