11 Feb 2009

Firestorm.

I am at a loss for words at the destruction and heart-break that so many are experiencing. The worst fires ever experienced are wreaking havoc on areas of Victoria. Small towns have totally been burnt out. So many have lost their property and so sadly their lives. The death toll is rising, and there have been estimates as high as 300 possible deaths.
I am not going to post any pictures or links, I am sure that you have seen the devastation elsewhere.
I have had some comments from some fellow bloggers, knowing that I live in Victoria, asking about our safety. Thank you very much, we are safe. The closest fire to us is in a place called Dargo. The terrain is mountainous and the risk of it moving into populated areas is not great at the moment, it is about 100 kilometres north of us.
On the week-end we were invited to my sisters 50th birthday. We declined, as it was 5 and a half hours away and Joel and Caitlyn were tired from being back at school, if we had of gone we wouldn't have been able to get back home as the major freeway between us and Melbourne was closed.
It makes me so angry knowing that some of the fires were deliberately lit. All I can say is that there are some very sick individuals about, and I hope that they are caught and dealt with accordingly. Many of the victims didn't stand a chance. The weather conditions were perfect for the fire, incredibly high temperatures, wind gusts of up to 160 kph, extremely dry, a lot of Victoria is in severe drought.
One of my friends and her family were evacuated as their house was under direct threat, but thank goodness they were spared. Another friends parents house came to within 500 metres of being burnt and was spared also.
My heart and prayers go out to all of those that have lost their lives, their homes, their livelihood's, or are battling to survive in hospital. I am also thinking of the people who are grieving for lost ones.
I take my hat off to all of the firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, and to all of the other volunteers who are working to help make life easier for those affected.
I am in no way playing down what people in Queensland are going through at the moment, ironically floods, but my Grandma used to always say that "You can clean up after a flood, but not a fire".
Take care everyone.

14 comments:

Cindy F. said...

We have been following the devastating news here in the States. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. We pray the fires end and no more lives or homes are taken. Stay safe dear friend.

Anonymous said...

The fires have been on the news here. It is SO incredibly sad for all those families.

I hope you get some good rain soon to help.

We had a two really bad fire seasons since we've been in this house (15 years). It's absolutely scary.

If I never smell wildfire smoke again it will be TOO SOON.

My prayers are with the firefighters and those affected by the fires. I hope they will be out soon.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are safe.

Pumpkin said...

Joanne, I've just watched a few videos and I'm at a loss for words :o( I'm just so happy that you and your family are okay.

Why an individual(s) would do this is beyond me and I agree, I hope they are caught and dealt with as well. Too many people have lost homes and their lives. This is truly a disaster. Even the animals have suffered.

I can't imagine being a firefighter there at the moment but you're right, they do deserve a lot of thanks for what they are doing.

samplerlover said...

Hi Joanne,
I am so glad that you and your family are safe. This is such an awful time in Australia's history.
I went through the area of the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983 a few weeks after they had been through. That was shocking, but this one is just simply awful.
My DH is in the RFS and he and his brigade wanted to come down to Vic. but Firecom won't release any in the Blue Mountains as we are in a very high risk area, as well.
Anyway, I know that is more hot weather coming so I hope we all stay safe. - Sandra.

Anonymous said...

What is happening in your country is a real tragedy.
Take care!

Beatrice said...

This is such a tragedy.
I have relatives in Your country and am also watching the reports on the news here!
I'm pleased to hear you are safe,

Take care and our prayers are with you and all of the people involved!

Lynn said...

I'm so glad to hear that you and your family are safe. We've been watching the news here as well and my heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones and their homes. It really is devastating. Our prayers are with you.

Chars said...

hello - thankyou for your comment on my blog - yes I am interested - let me know what you would like in return? - email me? caramellosdream@bigpond.com

I am pleased that you are safe from the devastation - I am still finding it hard to comprehend... we moved to Western Australia last may from Ballarat.

Alison said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the fires and how so many folks have lost their precious lives, let alone all their belongings and homes. Although I am far away, my thoughts are with you all. Love all your stitching on your blog - Thanks for visiting my Blog - how wonderful that we are both doing Psychology - I am absolutely loving it, its just awesome. Got an exam in May!! I am currently learning about Obedience and Social Compliance, having completed Attachment, Stress and Memory. If you would like to exchange emails, I'm on thesquirrel01@hotmail.com Much love Alison xxxx

Kim B said...

The whole situation a terrible tragedy. Absolutely terrible.

Wendy said...

We have seen all about it on the news here too in Belgium! I'm glad that you are save. It is really terrible what is happening.

Craft-i-leigh said...

The fire news has died down a bit here in the US news... any good news? What a horrible thing to happen. Peoples homes, memories, lives! Not to mention the animals.
Poor creatures! I am new to the world of stitching and have been browsing various blogs to try and gain some knowledge and get some tips / ideas. I originally started with a stamped, then counted “kits”. I’m working on my 2nd chart and have noticed some big differences in floss types and quality.
My Cross Stitch Mentor has told me that I’m ready to graduate from Aida, but I really like Aida. Maybe it’s just beginner’s comfort???
If you would answer my question… What type of fabric or fabrics do you prefer and why? Brands and counts?
I would appreciate any advice, thanks!

Beatrice said...

Thanks for the lovely comment..Yes we had a ball singing the Phantom and les Mis. It was a very professional production and what a privilege it was to sing with them.
there is a link to some of the photo's on the Command Performance blog ..the link is in the photo [click photo]of me singing on the side bar of my stitching blog.

An Aussie girl who loves to cross stitch