The fires in Australia

Hello friends,

I have recieved some emails from some of you asking if I am o.k. and safe from the fires that ravage our country from time to time.
Yes, thankyou... I am fine.
The fires that are out of control are about an hours flight from here in another state.
Oh we have our fair share dont you worry! we have had many lives lost over the years, one being my uncle on a day they called 'Ash Wednesday'. He was a firefighter. The winds turned suddenly as they do, and he and his fellow firefighters were caught in the blaze as the fire turned on them. The were found under their truck.

Australia suffers badly with fires. On one hand our asutralian bush actually needs fire to keep it going. There are some trees and such that only seed when the pods have been burned and it is a natural way to keep the bush in check but then you have the human factor. Those who lite them for fun in themost dangerous of situations. Five people have been arrested so far for lighting them. Three of them are 15 year olds.

Last year fires came close to my home but we were ok. It mainly hits rurual areas and I am suburbian.
The area (Sydney) has been hit hard several years in a row.. its very sad. People have lost their homes and our beautiful national park is gone. They couldnt save any. All the wildlife is gone, completely wiped out.... all because of a kick someone wanted to have... its very sad.

Thankyou for your concerns.. and please send your prayers to those who have lost everything this christmas, to the firefighters that they will be safe, that the state will recover and rebuild and that those who have done this will feel remorse and guilt.

Laura

Laura...thoughts and prayers to all our Aussie friends!!

"eyes"

Laura... That's so sad, that people would deliberately start a fire. Our best to you, and fellow countrymen.

Sending prayers and good thoughts.

Yes, I heard on the news that it could have been some 15 year old kids that started this. I bet they are the type that also tie tin cans to cats' tails - just for kicks!! So sorry for the devastation!!

So sorry for the terrible devastation and the loss of wildlife.It is sad to hear about this. Prayers being sent your way.

Laura its good to know your safe. Sending my thoughts and prayers.

thankyou all for your kindess...it is really appreciated

LAURA, THOSE FIRES SEEM TO BE REALLY BAD. IT'S A SHAME PEOPLE HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN START FIRES. I JUST THINK OF ALL THOSE POOR PEPOLE LOSING THEIR HOMES AND ALL THE POR ANIMALS!

Laura...so glad to hear that you are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your country. I hope they arrest all of the fire starters. Such a terrible thing to do.

Laura, I've been thinking about you as I've been watching on TV the devastation of the fires. Take care!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and those who have lost loved ones in the fires

thankyou for oyur kind thoughts... its much appreciated.
our firefighters are doing a wonderful jon. I would say that 70% of them are volunteers.. just ordinary people like you and me putting their life on the line. They are at the fire front for more than 12 hours at a time and give their all. They sleep where they can and where it is safe and grab a bite to eat from the other volunteers who keep the food and water going for them.
bless em all!

So far they have caught 8 firebugs! these people are sick... many are children and get reprimaded and councilled and that is it!
I dont think that is enough....

Oh Laura! Such a shame-if only they realized what damaged they were causing- hopefully one day they will realize what harm their actions did! Keep us informed!
-JSS

yes its true...


still more fires have been lit.... again a youngster..

they have just evacuated homes and a nursing home as the fires head for the suburbs.... in 1994 the fires hit and people ran for the beach and had to stay there for safety... looks like the same again.

they have been trying to make a fore break to stop it going into another national park. They back burn to do that and dig large trenches... the wind turned and sent the back burning out of control.. so there is a new fire front threat..


Its not good.....
I will keep you updated....
I have family up there....

Laura X

Laura, I live right next to the Joshua Tree Nat'l Monument So. California. We get wildfires lit by lightning here all the time. Almost had to evacuate 2 times scince I have lived here. When there is a fire a distance away, we seem to get the smoke. And it can make it difficult to be outside. Our Air conditioning seems to filter out better than our Swamp Cooler. Easier to breath. I hope it stops soon. My prayers are with you.

thankyou michelle..

they are still raging......

Still no good news with the fires over here.
so much has been lost and nearly lost about 15 firefighters had it not been for a special helicopter from the usa that was sent. It carries enormous amounts of water.
It came just as the crew were about to be engulfed in flames and saved them. Thankyou america! We owe you one!

Three species are now on the edge of extinction due to these fires.. the lyrebird, glider and bandicoot. Its so sad. Tens of thousands of wildlife animals destroyed. Little ones being found with theor feet burnt off.. its awful..
If I could get my hands on those kids that started these fires I would give them some of their own!

Laura,

Such a horrible situation. I can't even imagine how awful it must be. I have never experienced anything like you all are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your neighbors.

Doris

Laura - I watch the news everyday and hope to hear that those terrible fires will be put out soon. I've never experienced a fire but a few years ago when Florida was going thru their drought and all those fires - they were about an hour away - I know how anxious and terrible you must feel. just a note to say my thoughts and prayers are with all my Aussie friends, especially those firefighters and I pray that this this fire will be over soon.

Juja

Laura, I too have been watching the news about your fires there. It is all to sad. Please take care, sending prayers of saftey for all those involved. Lisa

Laira, it such a shame all those fires and those children say they had nothing better to do. You think they could find something constructive with their time.

thankyou all

whilst i am safe , there are mnay who are not. i will pass on your thoughts and prayers.

Laura still praying for everone that is in danger. All this is so sad and it is such a waste of live and beauty.