FIRESTORM MAP -

[maplegum]

Death toll now at 126

They are expecting it to top around 230 dead. I am sitting at work listening to the radio with a lump in my throat. So many families still looking for loved ones. There are many people that have not been accounted for. So many perished animals. I have offered room at my place to help out with a couple of horses if people need it. I wish I could do more.

Reo asked if Laverton was anywhere near the fires. Reo, I have faith that your friends are safe. See the map below with my place and Laverton marked in. Laverton and my area have not been affected.

This is a terribly sad time for us Victorians and Australians.

please keep these poor people and animals in your thoughts.

xox Leonie xox

 

[minih]

I will be keeping all in the front of my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Charley]

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping that everyone searching for loved ones finds them safe and unhurt.

 

[sedeh]

Such devastation. How horrible, and that it may have been intentionally set. I don't think there's a punishment suitable for the person that would do this.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the people and animals affected by this.

 

[Minimor]

What a terrible thing--I've just looked at Leonie's photos on the other thread, and that is just so devastating. I just cannot imagine fires like that, and have nothing but disgust for the person(s) that set some of those fires. What is wrong with those people??? I hope that they are caught and charged with murder for every single death that they caused.

Leonie, I pray your place will continue to be safe--I pray for Australians in general. However do they stop these fires, unless the rains come?

 

[REO]

Dear God, that's horrible!

That is too close to you and my friends!

My prayers are with everyone there! Stay safe!

Thank you for the map, I really appreciate it!

 

[maplegum]

With extreme conditions like we had on Saturday, there was no way to stop it. The wind was so bad and the fire also creates a wind pattern within itself.

They actually pulled out fire crews in certain areas as the conditions were too dangerous. Even with all of the high tech services available, including 'Elvis' the water helicopter from the USA.

All they could do was try to protect assets in areas that allowed it. They basically had to let the fire burn within the forest and fight it from the air, which was also difficult in those conditions.

So far, between 500 and 600 homes have been destroyed. There could be so many more.

Apparently, we have the toughest penalties for people that start these bush fires. It's still not harsh enough.

 

[dreaminmini]

I don't understand how someone could do this. It's all so horrible. The poor people and the animals. Brings tears just thinking of it all. I would think the penalty should be execution, (sorry if this offends anyone) It's mass murder in my opinion.

I'm sorry for all of Australia having to go through this. Prayers that this gets under control verysoon and no more lives lost. I wish there was something I could do.

 

[SilverDollar]

Thank you for the map, Leonie. When these fires are so out of control, the only thing to do is evacuate. There can be no stopping them. Anyone who's been in or around a wildfire knows all too well. California lost five firefighters in 2006 to a wildfire started by an arsonist; he's currently on trial for murder and they are seeking the death penalty.

It's just so tragic...my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all. You are so kind to open your home to those in need. Please keep us posted and continue to stay safe.

 

[Mona]

Sending prayers that no more lives will be lost, and especially hoping our LB members and their families and animals will be kept safe and out of harm's way too.

 

[Miniv]

OMG......Seeing the photos and the map is frightening........

So many lives lost and homes wiped out...... And I just read the news that the fire or FIRES were arson!

Please stay safe. I hope you have a plan for both you and your animals JUST IN CASE.

 

[Brandi*]

Such a horrible tragedy

I'm so thankful you, your family and your babies are all ok. I have never heard of a fire trapping people in their cars

It's hard to picture something that big and that forceful

 

[maplegum]

I have woken up this morning to hear that the death toll has risen to 173. Still climbing. They are expecting more deaths with the victims that are in hospital who they don't expect will pull through.

Here in Victoria, bushfires are a way of life for us. Each summer we have a number of fires around the state and generally, most Victorians that live in fire zones have a fire plan in place. The plan involves leaving EARLY if you want to leave, well before you see flames. If you want to stay and defend your propery, there are a number of things and steps you should have in place to be able to do this safely. Unfortunately, this fire took hold so quickly and was so ferocious that people were caught out. No amount of good planning could have saved these poor people.

Some of the fires were started by lightening strikes and then there are some that were started by fire bugs.

My husband is a volunteer fire fighter. He has injured his knee so he wasn't able to provide any assistance. I'm thankful he wasn't there. I know he is safe at home. Luckily we haven't lost any firefighters through all of this.

xox Leonie xox

 

[maplegum]

Here are some recent photos..

And the photo that bought a tear to my eye this morning...

xox Leonie xox

 

[Minimor]

OMG Leonie, that last photo...now I'm crying!!

 

[JourneysEnd]

What a great photo !

Thanks for keeping us up to date.

So glad you're still okay. Some of the stories I'm reading just break my heart. Some, like the woman who sat in a creek with her baby, dog, two neighbors with their two birds and survived are heart warming.

 

[HorseMom]

OMG Leonie, that last photo...now I'm crying!!

Me too minimor. I hope that they can get a handle on this fire soon. I'll be praying for everyone out there.

Heather

 

[Brandi*]

What an AMAZING photo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even believe that

 

[SilverDollar]

I have woken up this morning to hear that the death toll has risen to 173. Still climbing. They are expecting more deaths with the victims that are in hospital who they don't expect will pull through.
Here in Victoria, bushfires are a way of life for us. Each summer we have a number of fires around the state and generally, most Victorians that live in fire zones have a fire plan in place. The plan involves leaving EARLY if you want to leave, well before you see flames. If you want to stay and defend your propery, there are a number of things and steps you should have in place to be able to do this safely. Unfortunately, this fire took hold so quickly and was so ferocious that people were caught out. No amount of good planning could have saved these poor people.

Some of the fires were started by lightening strikes and then there are some that were started by fire bugs.

My husband is a volunteer fire fighter. He has injured his knee so he wasn't able to provide any assistance. I'm thankful he wasn't there. I know he is safe at home. Luckily we haven't lost any firefighters through all of this.

xox Leonie xox

Oh my gosh, this is just so unbelievable. Wildfires are a way of life in California, too, and most people in fire areas are told to have a plan in place, though not everyone does. The fire departments are debating a "stay-and-defend" policy since they know there are those that just won't leave. I'm not one to stay because life is way too precious and "things" can be replaced. I would much rather get my family and animals out while I can. It's so sad that people in Victoria were not able to get out. Sometimes there just isn't a way out.

Thanks for the photos--those broke my heart. You all have my continued thoughts and prayers.

Rebecca

 

[Reijel's Mom]

I worked all weekend and just heard about this on the news this evening - Leonie I thought of you and your family first thing. What a sad time for you all, I hope that the fires are gotten under control ASAP!