To our Aussie friends

[Tri Girl]

Just wanted you to know that there are many of us thinking of you. For the last two days I've watched news reports of the devastating fires. It brings tears to my eyes when I see so many people who've lost their homes, and for too many- their lives. I hope they get the fires under control and that whoever is responsible is punished for their crimes.
We're thinking of you friends....

[Tuckervill]

Yes, indeed. To be outraced by a fire in your car while trying to get away! It's all too horrible.

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

I have been a bit self-absorbed and only watched snippets, is this arson? I knew the death toll and heard some of the horrible stories. Thinking of our Aussie chickies!!

[wackyjacky1]

I believe I read that some of the fires were intentionally set.

The scope of the tragedy is almost beyond my ability to comprehend.

[crazycanuck]

Thanks guys! It's still quite hard to digest the photos & stories coming from Vic.

From some of the comments on news sites ..I don't think folks overseas really understand what bushfire season is like down here. That coupled with the drought, wind & heat makes for a horrible situation.

Yes FESA (Fire & Em serv australia), CFA (country fire authority), DSE (dept of sust & env) all had contingency plans. There was a total fire ban in place. The fire was just too intense & fast.

Don't forget about the flooding in Qld!!!

[bmccasland]

Not sure which is worse, fire or flood. Both are really really bad. And take a long time to recover from. Hang in there OZ. Hope it rains soon.

I know it's a fire based ecology, but arson is a completely different matter. For that, there's no excuse, and not enough punishment, except perhaps working the fire line without a break, or water. But someone would call that cruel and unusual punishment.