It Was So Hot Here Last Week..........................

[gregga41]

This is very rapidly becoming a much bigger disaster than the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires. Already the death toll is equal to the combined total from Victoria and South Australia back then.
Andrea and i watched that news special tonite Aitch,... in total silence.
I'd buy a firefighter a beer at the first oppurtunity.....Bravo guys.

[antipodean]

I couldn't believe the arson news when I heard it - first, that some of the fires were deliberately lit, then, that ones that had been brought under control were relit. It's absolutely heartbreaking to think someone could relight these fires knowing the terrible toll they have already taken.

On the plus side, the courage and tenacity of the fire fighters and the survivors (many of whom have lost every possession they had and had escaped a horrible death by minutes or less) is really uplifting.

[rick_ovic]

I've been assisting one of our insured clients, who have lost everything...their car, their house and all of their possessions. They escaped with their lives and only the clothes on their backs.

I've approved a payment of $5000 directly into their bank account today to help see them through. We'll get working on rebuilding their house and finding them a car over the coming days.

We call this "the moment of truth". It's that time which really proves whether your insurance company actually delivers on their promise.

It's gonna be frantic in the office in the morning.

[gregga41]

It's gonna be frantic in the office in the morning.

At least they've got the right man running the office Trotty!

[gregga41]

No words necessary.

[wints]

That's a terrifying shot.

I remember driving down 75 here in S. Fla a few years ago when a 200 yard stretch of brush and trees had just burst into flames on the other side of the median. Incredible heat and rapid movement. You suddenly realize just what fireman have to do, and how devastating fire can be, at all levels.

Let's hope there's some serious rain coming soon...

[jps]

I've been assisting one of our insured clients, who have lost everything...their car, their house and all of their possessions. They escaped with their lives and only the clothes on their backs.

I've approved a payment of $5000 directly into their bank account today to help see them through. We'll get working on rebuilding their house and finding them a car over the coming days.

We call this "the moment of truth". It's that time which really proves whether your insurance company actually delivers on their promise.

It's gonna be frantic in the office in the morning.

It sounds like your insurance company has the right heart and mindset. It seem that in America most people are afraid to make any sort of claim with their insurance companies.

[headbanger]

[admin]

My heart goes out to all of you. The loss of life is shocking. I hope the weather changes and will put an end to these wildfires soon by giving you the rainfall that you sorely need.

[johnallg]

Our local paper had a picture and blurb about the fires, but way understated the loss of life and homes. Gerry, that picture of the Australian flag to me represents the resiliency of the Aussie spirit.

[wmthor]

My thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone down under who has been effected by the fires.

[winston]

that picture of the Australian flag to me represents the resiliency of the Aussie spirit.

That's exactly right in my estimation John. When times are tough like this that's when Australians pull together and draw on their tremendous national courage and determination. That tattered flag is indeed a symbol of the carnage and may it be used as a rallying point to overcome this disaster.

[ozover50]

The Aussie spirit almost dictates our support in situations like these. We have a long history of digging deep and getting our hands dirty when times are tough and I'm sure this tragedy will again bring out the best in people - it has surely already brought out the worst.

It's easy to be somewhat isolated from these tragedies when you live in the city - unless you have relatives or friends who are affected in some way. Some of the horror stories are now unfolding and there are still a number of fires endagering isolated properties and townships in their paths, so there may well be more. As it stands 108 deaths have been confirmed - including one of our most respected news presenters ever and his wife. Many of those in hospital have little chance of survival due to the extent of their burns. One of our members - who hasn't posted here in a while - lives in an area that is very much under threat and I hope that he comes through unscathed.

Our volunteer firefighters (banded together by the Country Fire Authority) selflessly give their all in these times - sadly their own lives all too often.

Already many people are getting stuck into the 'Greenies' who have effectively lobbied for the closure of 4WD and bike trails that act as access roads during bushfires, removal of grazing rights in bush areas that would reduce the amount of undergrowth and controlled burning off, which has the same effect. Hopefully this won't turn into a political bunfight - it's way bigger than that!!

[kiramdear]

Thanks, Aitch,

I'm glued to this thread so keep me posted.

My thoughts remain with you all down under.

[ozover50]

I omitted to offer Trotty my best wishes...... he's in for a tough time also - albeit a different kind of 'tough'.

I know Darren to be a compassionate man and I have no doubt that he and his team will be offering all the support possible to those affected.