Fires in Australia

[pelagia]

CNN just ran a report on the fires in Australia, especially those north of the Melbourne area.   I am sad to learn that these fires have already lead to a significant loss of life.  I hope that all of our IHD family members are safe. 

[kitkatz]

I saw a few of the fires on news last night.  What a ruin of property and lives.  My first words were I hope my IHD.com family there is safe.

[Chris]

We need a head count.

[okarol]

It's so horrible - such terrible news!

[charee]

very sad over 100 lives lost and 650 houses , some small towns have been completely burnt out and to think someone may have started the fires , i hope if they prove they were deliberate they will catch who ever did this , we had some small fires about 1 hour away from where i live we are very lucky as we have had 2 weeks of temps over 40c . Today is a little cooler and very Smokey , smoke coming from the fires in Victoria . Our local Preschool is setting up a toy drive to help out some of the family's with kids that have lost everything.

[rose1999]

We have family (cousins) in Whittlesea, Victoria, they are in their late 70s.  Mum will ring today to see if see how things are.  Richmel are you all OK??

[Chris]

Last time I talked to RichardMel, I think he said the fires where somewhat near him. It caused a power outage. Not sure how far away though he is.
  Just get into Lucinda's Hummer and get out if needed.

[Falkenbach]

Whittlesea is in the thick of it, Rose, let us know how you get on. It is however one of the places everyone has gone for emergency shelter, so that sounds promising.

I thought of you Charee - what town are you in?

I'm in South Australia, but Victoria is my home state. Most of our families and friends are in safe areas nowhere near the fires. We have some good friends in the danger zone, but they are accounted for.

RichardMel, update us PLEASE.

Anyone wishing to donate to the relief fund, details are here: http://www.nab.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/nab/nab/home/About_Us/8/5/14/NAB+establishes+$1+Million+bushfire+relief+fund

[RichardMEL]

OK OK Sorry guys I was in Adelaide (yeah cb's state) yesterday and today. I am fine. i am nowhere near the fires as I live in inner Melbourne.

It is an absolute tragedy. The worst in our country's history, and the death toll will only rise. Perhaps well over 200. A thousand plus properties destroyed. And to think some lowlifes have started some of the fires (heat+lightning have started the others) and still further lowlifes have been looting (like the idiots who looted a fire station while they were out fighting the fires.. I mean WHAT THE HELL?) is unbelieveable. This is a tragic time for my state and our country.

My thoughts are with everyone involved. As far as I know no IHD people are directly affected. I know one gal from my unit who lives in a fire affected region but she is OK last i heard.

[Wattle]

 

I'm ok too. I live in Bayside Melbourne. The fires are more rural, to the north of the city.
Saturday was the hottest day on record here in Melbourne. 46.7 Degrees C. Fueled by a ferocious wind the fires are the worst our country has ever seen.
You all know by now that we have been in a drought and on water restrictions for a long time now. The bush was so dry it  just light up like a huge blow torch. Four stories high and roaring like a jet engine. People were left trapped when the fire changed direction and gave them no time to escape. Those who stayed to try and protect their houses had little chance against this hell on earth.

It is a sad day here in Victoria. 

[monrein]

It's been tragic to see this news on TV.  So sad for so many.  Glad you guys are OK.   

[paddbear0000]

Yes, I'm very glad to hear that everyone is okay too. We just need to hope that they get the fires under control soon so none of our members become a part of this tragedy! 

[willieandwinnie]

  Hope they can get this under control and there is no more death and destruction. News coverage is heart breaking. 

[twirl]

praying that Ang is not by any of those fires

[Rerun]

Thanks everyone for checking in.  I hope they can get things put out!

                             

[kitkatz]

Periodically Southern California goes up in fire.  I cannot imagine a fire as big as you all are talking about!

[tamara]

My uncle has lost his house in the kinglake area and Allan's brother wife and dog have evacuated and are staying at our house.

[paul.karen]

:-(

SAD news.
I hope  Allens house will be spared.
and tragic that your uncle lost his home.

[thegrammalady]

glad to hear everyone is ok. thanks for letting us know.

[tamara]

We are in metro Melbourne so we are safe, but the whole state is effected.........

[pelagia]

Those are hellish fires.  I am sad that so many have died, and that so many are losing their homes.  I am sorry to hear that your uncle lost his home, Tamara.  I hope that your brother's home will not be lost.  What can they do to fight these fires?  The drought is very bad and I am sure that there is no rain in sight.  It's a terrible situation.

[monrein]

Tamara, I'm so sorry to hear that your family has been affected in these ways by the fires.

[Chris]

Sorry to hear of the misfortune on your uncles house Tamara. Hope your Husbands brothers house is spared from the fire.

[rose1999]

Not managed to raise relatives in Whittlesea yet - hope they have just been evacuated or are helping at shelters or something.  We will keep trying and let you know, it is worrying that the haven't contacted us to say they are OK.  They live in Willan Road  if anyone has any news of that area.  Glad all those on here are OK.

[Bajanne]

This is so sad to read about, especially the loss of life!  I am thankful that our IHD family members have been spared.  Hope you hear from your family members soon, Rose.