Re: fires in Austr. - Kathy

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

Yes some of the fires were deliberately started by people. Nine people have been charged so far. Some of the fires were lightening strikes as well.

I could see the flames from the fires from my front porch at night but far enough away for them not to come too close to me. We have been covered by smoke for the last six days. I'm really sick of the smoke as I have found it hard on breathing and I'm so sleepy all the time. There have been days that I found burnt embers in my yard (scary stuff). Today has been the clearest day and I could just see a little blue sky and not much smell. Christmas Day was the worse as we had 90(f) degree temps and a gale blowing.

They have been the worse fires in 30 years. The oldest National Park in Australia has had 70% burnt out. Twisters are common in USA, this week we had Fire Twisters. One town not far from me several homes were lost. Train lines were burnt and the town lost all water, electricity and sewerage. the whole town was evacuated. Wollongong was cut off from everyone for several days as all roads were closed.

Fire Fighters came from all the other States to help out, a total of 15 thousand fire fighters. It has been amazing, volunteers helping by feeding the fire fighters, people donating toys, clothing, food and money to help the families that lost everything (160 homes) on Christmas day.

To me it has not been a Christmas. I usually leave my decorations up to see the new year in, this year they came down much sooner.

There are still 100 fires burning, some have been controlled and but some places are still being evacuated tonight. No lives were lost which is amazing considering the magnitude of these fire.

Cherie

Hi Cherie

I've been keeping up with the news of the fires in Australia since you wrote. I cannot believe that people set them (I think they said teens?)

How are you doing? Are the fires that were near you put out yet? Please be safe...

Kathy