Non CML Related - Bush Fires

[Guest guest]

Hi All

This is not CML related but thought I would share to say that we are OK.

(Aussie and Lottie had contacted and advised you that we were having

bushfires

near my home)

Not only bushfires but wind that fanned the fires. Horendous. Many people

today have

headaches from the wind and smoke.

I live in an outer semi - rural property. Fires burnt out 1170 hectares of

property.

Many of my friends from across the river were evacuated. Many horses, cattle

perished as did some domestic 4 legged friends. I would say heaps of natural

wildlife would of also perished. I do not know for sure.

However, Hundreds and hundreds of horses, cattle, llamas, alpacas and sheep

were saved. The community were going up and down main roads stopping to find

out

where stock was, picking them up - taking the animals to their own properties

and

coming back into the fire zoned area and picking up more. Heaps of

accommodation

offered.

Still no power but many people can return home. The smoke damage is amazing.

Everything smells of heavy smoke.

I am so tired. I spent the whole time co-ordinating people to pick up Horses and

organising

accommodation for people who did not want to use the evacuation centres. It is

such a

wonderful achievement to see communities at work. I have a saying , it is not

how

many roof tops you have that make a community or give it its strength it is how

a community

communicates shows its strength. This was in my community - a community at work

and showed its very best face. At one 12 hour period there were more than 150

professionals

and just as many volunteer fire brigade fighting our fires.

We were very lucky the wind died down.

Amazing, No houses lost, only one or two sheds. Alot of fencing and some

infrastructure

damage. That is the difference lI think of living in rural zones were everyone

knows there

evacuation procedures, and have effective plans in place.

The other part of Perth south of Me, was also struck with Bush Fire. In 24 hours

more than 74 houses have been razed and people homeless and only what they

are standing in. Lost the lot. I think another 30+ houses could be more or

less

have been fire damaged but only partially burnt. I doubt that they can be lived

in.

Some business buildings and alot of infrastructure has been burnt.

2 of my work mates lost their homes and two other friends, their family also

lost theres.

Hand over heart stuff. About 500 hectares of land has been lost. These

locaties are

people who have lifestyle homes.

I thought I would share - and say thank you for all the support from my CML

global Family.

When I was feeling a little weary of it all - the fire was truly relentless and

so was the wind

I received some messages from my CMLers that made me smile.

You guys truly are awesome.

Volunteer Fire Fighters are my local heros and so are helitank pilots - both

saved many lives

and risked their own. No Life Lost at all and people in the fires that burnt

houses were running

for their lives. Totally Respected for what they have done.

I am well, My home is fine, My neighbours are all fine, and my dog is about to

get into big trouble

for laying on my shoes so life is back to normal.

Thanks again -your wishes met alot. ( and Lottie - Ta !!)

Cyber Hugs from my elastic arms

Sue

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