Australia Wildfires

Discussion in 'Australia & New Zealand' started by derstuka, Feb 10, 2009.

  1. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    This is a message to all of our VFRW friends and families down under in or near the site of the massive wildfires in the state of Victoria. I hope that all are well and safe, as well as their friends and families. It looks like a real mess down there. San Diego has had a batch of wildfires in the past 5-6 years, but we have lost nowhere near the lives that you have so far.

    Please stay safe, and be well. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
    ~Jason

    BTW...in case anybody is unaware of the situation, here is a news link to bring you up to speed.

    Australian official: Wildfire deaths will pass 200 - Yahoo! News
     
  2. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    +1 Jason, Thanks for the post. Hope things getting better real soon, Our thought and prayer to all the Ausies.
     
  3. drewl

    drewl Insider

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    California feels your pain. Good luck to all of you. Keep your VFR packed and facing the door in case you need to bug out.
     
  4. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Ditto Mates. It must be hell on earth. I can't imagine. Stay safe. Houses can be rebuilt, Bikes can be re-aquired. Life is precious
     
  5. John451

    John451 Member

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    It has been a mind blowing tragedy whats happening down in Victoria with whole towns burnt down and communities lost. The rest of the country is stunned and in mourning for amount of people lost with numbers still increasing. :frown:

    The State of Victoria has just had 2 weeks of continual 100f to 117f temperatures down there so when the fires started it just took hold a raced off with 60mph variable winds fanning it unpredictably directions which is why even experienced bushfire fighters were at times caught off guard.

    The very sad part is some of these Fires are believed to have been lit by arsonists...

    For detailed Bushfire News see below link:
    Bushfire Emergency - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
     
  6. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Worldwide, there are disasters of varying proportions every day. Fire is probably one of the most frightening of these disasters. Many in California are all too aware of the devistation this brings not only to individuals, but communities as well. The Kelowna Fires a few years back brought many Canadians together to help those in need. There, firefighters worked incredibly long and difficult hours, some of whom, were loosing their homes while protecting the homes of others. I am sure similar stories can be told of events such as Katrina in New Orlenes.

    We are in a global reccession. Money is extremely tight for millions of people world wide. I cannot fathom what is going on in the lives of our friends in Australia right now.

    Though I am unable to do anything to change what has happened, I believe I can do some part to assist our friends down under. This simply is what we do in the free world.

    Please visit Australian Red Cross and do what you can in these uncertain times to lend a hand to our brothers and sisters over there. I have.

    I do not appologise for hijacking this thread.
     
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2009
  7. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    Thank you for the update, and info John. I figured you were a ways away from the fires, but I still was not for sure. Those temps are cooking...man, I hope things get under control soon.
     
  8. John451

    John451 Member

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    Thanks for your thoughts Jason, at least the Temperatures have eased in Victoria today giving the firefighters a better chance at containing them. They have also been thankful of the Worlds expressed condolences and offers of assistance with 35 Fire operations chiefs being sent from America to help co-ordinate with the local crews.

    We've had bit of a double whammy in Oz with Towns in middle to North Queensland hit by major flooding and lives lost. Sydney has had some silly high temperatures and some minor bushfires but we've been lucky so far so have sent NSW Firefighters south to Victoria to help out.



    USA sending 35 Fire operations chiefs linky:
    US fire chiefs set to fly to Australia | The Australian

    News Link to Queensland floods:
    Ingham flood clean-up steps up - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
     
  9. eddie cap

    eddie cap New Member

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    To all the good People from Down Under; My prayers and thoughts are with the people
    of Southern Australia. My we find ways to avert these disasters and may you find
    the individuals responsable for adding to the destruction of your beautiful land. e
     
  10. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    We could have averted some of this tragidy by giving some misunderstood person lots of hugs before the stabrd lit some of the fires. That, my friends, just sickens me to no end.


    BTW. Seems my Australian Red Cross link does not work but you get the idea.
     
  11. Jabba

    Jabba New Member

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    Thanks for the thoughts Guys.
    I live very close to the area of the fires as would most Melburnians ... as these fires are only 55 km (1hr) from the outer suburbs.
    Melbourne BTW is the second largest city in Australia.
    A terrible loss of life indeed.
    Several towns have been wiped off the map .. most of them my wife and I would visit on a regular basis as they are in some of the best riding country in the state, and the people there were extremely bike friendly as the weekend motorcycle influx was a large part of the town's tourist income.
    Other fires are in some of the best trailriding countryside that I used to visit often as well. (pre VFR)
    A huge loss in every sense.
     
  12. powderrecon

    powderrecon New Member

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    Was born and raised in Melbourne for 21 years, now living in the US, and this just saddens me. What's worse is the area has been going through a moderate drought for the past 5 years.
     
  13. Jabba

    Jabba New Member

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    And of course .. that drought is a major factor :(
    The scrub is tinder dry.
     
  14. malcster

    malcster New Member

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    Was in Melbourne, last spring,most beautiful country.So.Cal.burns too.Dad(84) and me were told to evacuate last fall,1 block away, we did'nt either.We got lucky mate.I heard the fire raged.Fire is stronger than man.man!
     
  15. John451

    John451 Member

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  16. btay67

    btay67 New Member

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    I'm not sure what more I can add that hasn't been said already. I hope all our friends over there are okay, safe and well out of the way. Know that your in our thoughts and prayers...
     
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