The totally off-topic thread

[Shano]

Good to hear that your family is safe straitman and got through relatively unscathed.

It has been a devastating weekend for many and our thoughts go out to those that lost family, friends and property.

I experienced a couple of bush fires growing up in central-west NSW, but nothing as ferocious as this last weekend.

 

[docjames]

Just horrifying. Thanks for posting that link.

Glad all your loved ones are safe. The mental scars might take a bit longer to smooth over. Hope all the locals nearby are safe too.

 

[straitman]

Hope all the locals nearby are safe too.

There is a burnt out house approx 150 m from their house. We are just heading back up there now to see what the current situation is.

 

[drron]

Straitman I feel for you and all Victorians.I wish you could have had the rain we have had here in Mackay this morning.At the moment most is off shore.
Just think the water going over the Burdekin dam's spillway at the moment would take Melbourne's water storage capacity to 100% in 3 days.Brisbane's Wivenhoe dam would be topped up in 1 day.
It is a crazy world.

 

[docjames]

Straitman I feel for you and all Victorians.I wish you could have had the rain we have had here in Mackay this morning.At the moment most is off shore.
Just think the water going over the Burdekin dam's spillway at the moment would take Melbourne's water storage capacity to 100% in 3 days.Brisbane's Wivenhoe dam would be topped up in 1 day.
It is a crazy world.

Yep, it's crazy to think how much could be used and not "wasted" just flowing out to sea.

Was thinking also, imagine if it flowed into Darling river (onwards to menindee, murray river and sth australia).

 

[beardoc]

128 dead now - and that will likely as those that are badly burnt inevitably can't be saved.

Am currently doing paediatric burns at the moment, and I can tell you that burns are the most devastating thing - many of these people, if they survive, will have years of constant skin grafts, long periods in hospital and untold pain.

If you haven't already donated to the Red Cross appeal, please consider doing so. Yes, I know there's no promotion on the American express now, but it would be valuable to donate.

Australian Red Cross

I still have friends in Beechworth and Yackandandah that are at risk - I'm waiting on updates from them. Theyr'e currently deciding whether they should just leave the area or not.

 

[Nigelinoz]

I'm in Albury not far from Beechworth and the smoke from these fires is choking,but that's nothing to complain about when people have lost houses and loved ones,My thoughts are with any FF members affected including straitman and beardoc.Take care guys.

 

[drron]

Yep, it's crazy to think how much could be used and not "wasted" just flowing out to sea.

Was thinking also, imagine if it flowed into Darling river (onwards to menindee, murray river and sth australia).

Fortunately there is a lot of water in Western Qld that will indeed be flowing south-most of it ending up in Lake Eyre.September should be an absolutely fabulous time for those who have not seen a full Lake Eyre.
Although a lot of the western and gulf country is devasted by floods when the water recedes there should be a couple of really good seasons out there.
None of which helps Victoria.

 

[straitman]

The following link is to today's edition of the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper. The top picture with the fire behind is of my daughter and son in law's house. Fortunately they were not touched by the fire other than having a huge mess to clean up.

Latrobe Valley Express

Also see

Our story of the Gippsland Fires

 

[docjames]

How is the property in the aftermath? How is the commuity?

 

[straitman]

How is the property in the aftermath? How is the commuity?

Their property is all burnt except for the house which is full of ash and soot. They may not have power for quite some time.

The main road in were closed again yesterday as there was another fire along it. We then went another way and it was closed as the coroner was investigating along that way. We eventually found a way in that was OK.

The farm down the bottom of their hill was untouched with the fire going both sides of it. Truly amazing stuff.

Compared to so many though we are all so well off as no one was injured or killed though there is a realization of how close it all was and how easily it could have been a disaster for us also.

 

[tuapekastar]

Some remarkable photos there straitman (haven't read the text yet), and a considerable dose of resilience. I couldn't see myself hanging around in that situation!

I was somewhat west of you on Saturday near Foster, and was wondering how things were going over Sale way. Where we were, apart from a brief, very faint whiff of smoke at the height of the ferocious northerly wind (and 45.3 degrees in Foster, if weather.com.au is to be believed), you wouldn't have known there were fires at all.

Pleased to hear your family (and yourself for that matter ) are all ok. It's been such a devastating event for so many people...

 

[Nigelinoz]

straitman,
Just wanted to say I'm glad to hear your family is safe,shame about the property but good news that the house is safe.
The Beechworth fire near here is still going but hopefully they will get it under control in the next few days.
Take care.

 

[JohnK]

Sorry to hijack the discussion on bushfres and the devastation caused.

For anyone interested there are drinks in BNE tonight at 6:00pm at the Mill Hotel and Restaurant in Spring Hill. Attendees so far are

JohnK
Bundy Bear
jason8612 (Flyertalker from KRK/ORD)

Possible

mal

We will be out the front as usual....

 

[drron]

Just to say adversity brings out the best in some of us Aussies.Last week Wayne swan announced that flood victims in Ingham would be given $1000 emergency relief.
The local radio here is reporting that an Ingham man walked into Centrelink today saying I dont need your money because I am going to give it all to the poor buggers in Victoria so can you save yourself some trouble and write the cheque out to the Bushfire Appeal.

 

[beardoc]

Sorry to hijack the discussion on bushfres and the devastation caused.

For anyone interested there are drinks in BNE tonight at 6:00pm at the Mill Hotel and Restaurant in Spring Hill. Attendees so far are

Don't suppose this would be happening again anytime during 15th-21st March by any chance? I'll be up in BNE then at a course.

 

[Nigelinoz]

Just to say adversity brings out the best in some of us Aussies.Last week Wayne swan announced that flood victims in Ingham would be given $1000 emergency relief.
The local radio here is reporting that an Ingham man walked into Centrelink today saying I dont need your money because I am going to give it all to the poor buggers in Victoria so can you save yourself some trouble and write the cheque out to the Bushfire Appeal.

What a top bloke,onya mate,whoever you are.

 

[wallacej]

What a top bloke,onya mate,whoever you are.

And further to that (forget political allegiances) forget the stimulous package - keep it, and send it to rebuild the fire/flood damaged areas!

 

[straitman]

What a top bloke,onya mate,whoever you are.

A truly great story of Aussie mate ship.

Well done who ever you are.

 

[JohnK]

Don't suppose this would be happening again anytime during 15th-21st March by any chance? I'll be up in BNE then at a course.

Possibly. Would you believe I am in Melbourne that week?