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flexibeastYesterday a near-clear-sky lightning strike started a major fire within kilometres of my parents' place. Within the last 24 hours or so, it's already burnt around 7000 hectares; and it's moving through rough country, not easily accessible.
Fortunately, the fire is currently moving away from them, but ember attacks are still a major concern. Also a concern is the fact that some of their neighbours have decided not to stay and defend - and in fact are interstate at the moment - which obviously provides increased opportunities for a fire to reach my parents' property.
Police-enforced roadblocks have been set up to prevent people travelling through the area. This isn't a problem in itself, but it is a problem when even family members aren't allowed to enter the area to assist their family. This has meant that my sister, who lives nearby, cannot assist my parents in defending their place; and even more stupidly, a roughly 80-year-old couple who asked police to let their son through to help them defend their place were refused. It's ludicrous.
And i'm very worried.
Fortunately, the fire is currently moving away from them, but ember attacks are still a major concern. Also a concern is the fact that some of their neighbours have decided not to stay and defend - and in fact are interstate at the moment - which obviously provides increased opportunities for a fire to reach my parents' property.
Police-enforced roadblocks have been set up to prevent people travelling through the area. This isn't a problem in itself, but it is a problem when even family members aren't allowed to enter the area to assist their family. This has meant that my sister, who lives nearby, cannot assist my parents in defending their place; and even more stupidly, a roughly 80-year-old couple who asked police to let their son through to help them defend their place were refused. It's ludicrous.
And i'm very worried.
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Date: 2007-01-13 07:20 (UTC)My dad has been fighting the fires for the last month and is now in Bairnsdale.
It's scary. A couple of years ago I was staying in Wodonga and we got the calls to pack and be ready to leave, luckily they got the fire under control a few kms away.
I'm praying for rain...
no subject
Date: 2007-01-13 11:15 (UTC)Does your dad live in the Gippsland region?
Yes, rain would be wonderful, although it's been so dry up there for so long now . . . . :-(
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Date: 2007-01-14 08:08 (UTC)He lives in Wodonga where I grew up, but he's been to a few different fire bases over the last few months. He does radio and logistics for the CFA mainly.
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Date: 2007-01-14 09:12 (UTC)Re. your father - ah, okay. The poor guy must be absolutely wrecked. :-(