Bushfire Alert
By grandpa_lash
@grandpa_lash (5225)
Australia
October 24, 2012 11:01pm CST
We have been living in this small rural community for 7 years now, and for the first time we're facing the possibility of having to evacuate our home because of a bushfire. Actually that's a little bit of an exaggeration, the part of town we live in is fairly safe unless the temperature were to suddenly soar, the wind to suddenly increase dramatically, and a genuine firestorm situation were to arise. But the outlying eastern end of town is very much on alert, with some residents already being accomodated at the showgrounds. We are constantly hearing the sound of choppers, as they fly back and forth reloading their water buckets.
Last night there were two fires, the one nearest us contained but not controlled, but apparently today it has broken the containment. Real danger will only arise if it joins up with the other blaze, in which case the firestorm scenario comes into play.
It would be ironic if the town were to be damaged, because we have just signed a sale contract on ou house which is not final for 21 days, and the buyers might have second thoughts about moving here if the fire does stike. So, here's hoping, and go go the Rural Fire Brigade. (Perhaps the barbarian who is cutting funding to the Brigade will have the grace to admit his mistake.)
Lash
4 people like this
7 responses
@GreenMoo (11833)
•
25 Oct 12
My thoughts are with you. We spent most of the summer on red alert, with the air thick and brown. Thankfully none of them actually came too close to us, but a friend had the flames within a couple of metres of her home. The same fire killed a young volunteer firefighter.
I don't know about where you are, but most forest fires around where I am are manmade. It's such a bloody waste.
1 person likes this
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
25 Oct 12
I had that happen to me once, while living in california in the usa. We had to evacuate with just one hour notice. I got together all my valuables and kids photos. It was kinda scarry. The fire was like one mile from my home. Thank god it was put out before. I hope you are safe there. Good luck/
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160883)
• United States
25 Oct 12
I hope that it does not come to the worst case scenario, both for the sake of your sale and for the sake of all lives involved. I guess I need to go look at your profile, all this time I thought you were in the UK. Hoping for the best.
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
26 Oct 12
Hi Grandpa,
That's just a little too close for comfort. I think I would be a bit nervous. I hope this all turns out well for you! Here, we are supposed to be having some major storm coming in on Monday that they are calling "Frankenstorm!" I'm excited and also a little nervous as I worry about my daughters out on the roads.
Well, you will have to keep us all updated on your situation.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
26 Oct 12
They seem to have got it under control, and although the temperature is very high today the threatened winds didn't come, so probably OK. It's certainly the closest either of us has come to a fire like this. There are some 40 fires burning at the moment in the region, and they predict another dry storm soon which will likely cause more problems, but hopefully not here.
Lash
@mikyung (2232)
• Philippines
25 Oct 12
I know the feeling of having those types of issues such as those fires. That will really endanger lives and properties. They say that, it is better to have those floods (which we usually have here in my place) than encountering those fires. I experienced those fires when I was younger, when a fire near our house which almost destroy/burn all of our property. Good thing, there is a fire brigade in our place, it was contained, though some of the house in our community were totally burned. I hope things will be contained in your area so that you will have peace of mind. Stay safe my friend. Thanks
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
26 Oct 12
This is happening in n area which two years ago suffered from a catastrophic flash flood which tok a number of lives. We get it both ways in Australia.
Lash
@subhojit10 (7375)
• India
25 Oct 12
Thanks a ton for your response again. Well i feel very bad for u all as u all have to evacuate that place that u have been living since days. I think no body can gauge or predict the fury of the nature as it might strike havoc on the people any time. All we can do is stay aware and alert about what is happening around us. I think u should move to a better place where the possibility of bushfires would be less so that u do not have to evacuate again and again.
What say?
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
25 Oct 12
What say? It might be better if you weren't cutting and pasting your introductory sentence, because what I wrote is a discussion and what you wrote is a response, and I'm more than a little puzzled by "again".
Lash
@echoforever (5180)
• United States
25 Oct 12
That would be a terribly ironic happening.
It is good that you've never had real fire danger before now. Any fire danger is frightening. I can see why town residents could be anxious and alert.
I pray your town safety and that this be stopped before it turn into anything more.
