illinoiscentral
SARM Volunteer
Some people are lower than a snake belly, it's not them that went through hell with those fires.
A Community Tragedy
- Thread starter Euphod
- Start date
That actually almost happened in Birmingham...except the tornado was targeting the (open-air) football stadium downtown...during the Iron Bowl*...Thank God it didn't hit, but the very thought is chilling enough.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by the fires, to think that they could have been started intentionally is beyond comprehension, as is the subsequent looting. Unfortunately, though, some people will always take advantage of crises for their own benefit (far be it from me to pass judgement on them, but seriously, there are some lines you don't cross).
*Iron Bowl: Alabama v Auburn, the biggest football rivalry in the state, and always packed to the gills.
-Fe
My only contact with terrible disasters (other than the war in Vietnam) was as a group of 7 radio technicians and Ham operators that rushed over from Pensacola, Florida to Southern Alabama and Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Camille (1969). The devastation was so bad that NOTHING stood over a height of about 24 inches. I cannot imagine what the scene of such a group of fires would be. Heartfelt kudos to those who are on the front lines and for their efforts at containing these widespread fires.
Bill
Bill
American_Connections
AC MonkeyWrench Models
Fire is a living thing!
And very capable of taking another's life and soul. believe me, I was a fire fighter for the US Forest Service helping to protect those that later refussed to help me, and Ironically fire took my home, all my belongings of three generations, and later, even took my land cause I could not live there with the pain plus the goverment would not let me rebuild my house anyway! My hearts out to all the mates down under!
And very capable of taking another's life and soul. believe me, I was a fire fighter for the US Forest Service helping to protect those that later refussed to help me, and Ironically fire took my home, all my belongings of three generations, and later, even took my land cause I could not live there with the pain plus the goverment would not let me rebuild my house anyway! My hearts out to all the mates down under!
Thank God for a way to pray....
:wave: Lord, thank you for giving us a communication network to know about our far away friends & the trauma/drama that so affects all of us....
In our time of economic dearth, it's hard to see how we can help however you know the needs of our friends involved...
Long, so long ago, we fought aggression against these Islands, together we did what needed to be done...!
Grant US again the means, through recognition of Your Blessing Presence...make you Presence known throughout the nations...
In our Lord Jesus Name...
:wave: Lord, thank you for giving us a communication network to know about our far away friends & the trauma/drama that so affects all of us....
In our time of economic dearth, it's hard to see how we can help however you know the needs of our friends involved...
Long, so long ago, we fought aggression against these Islands, together we did what needed to be done...!
Grant US again the means, through recognition of Your Blessing Presence...make you Presence known throughout the nations...
In our Lord Jesus Name...
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People from all walks of life have rallied to help those who have lost everything, and those who, tragically, have lost loved ones.
Donations to the fund to assist those people has already topped $A20,000,000, and is growing rapidly. It's refreshing to see how generous people are, even in the midst of such hard economic times. People have been donating to the Red Cross in Australia.
Times like these bring people together, that is the good side of human nature.
But the tragedy is far from over. There are still many fires out of control, and heading towards more towns.
Firefighters are dreading the next hot day, which usually has associated strong winds. We all pray for lots of rain. Victoria had, I think, 8mm of rain in January, nowhere near enough. The forests are tinder dry, there is just so much fuel for firestorms to travel their terrible path of destruction.
Donations to the fund to assist those people has already topped $A20,000,000, and is growing rapidly. It's refreshing to see how generous people are, even in the midst of such hard economic times. People have been donating to the Red Cross in Australia.
Times like these bring people together, that is the good side of human nature.
But the tragedy is far from over. There are still many fires out of control, and heading towards more towns.
Firefighters are dreading the next hot day, which usually has associated strong winds. We all pray for lots of rain. Victoria had, I think, 8mm of rain in January, nowhere near enough. The forests are tinder dry, there is just so much fuel for firestorms to travel their terrible path of destruction.
Red_Rattler
Since 09 May 2003
NOTE: Although we would like arsonist severly punished (if caught), I would refrain from some of the comments, as investigations are still going on.
First, I've seen on other forums, that overseas media are reporting that the fires are due to possible terrorism. I would have a guess that your media is getting that from people who are comparing arsonists to terrorists.
Just to let people know that Melbourne had it's hottest recorded temperature ever of 46.4°C (almost 116°F) on Saturday, so it seems as some of the fires were because of an extreme heatwave. Not as severe but their were about 50 fires in NSW, with a major one still burning in the Hunter Valley of NSW.
For updates see the Australian ABC website
Heritage Railways:
Unfortunately, a heritage railway has been affected.
From Association of Tourist Railways Inc.
First, I've seen on other forums, that overseas media are reporting that the fires are due to possible terrorism. I would have a guess that your media is getting that from people who are comparing arsonists to terrorists.
Just to let people know that Melbourne had it's hottest recorded temperature ever of 46.4°C (almost 116°F) on Saturday, so it seems as some of the fires were because of an extreme heatwave. Not as severe but their were about 50 fires in NSW, with a major one still burning in the Hunter Valley of NSW.
For updates see the Australian ABC website
Heritage Railways:
Unfortunately, a heritage railway has been affected.
From Association of Tourist Railways Inc.
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The YVTR's track and bridge losses are actually on the non running sections of the line. Two bridges have been lost between Tarrawarra and Yarra Glen (almost directly at the Up end of Tarrawarra's former 'yard'). The other bridges lost include the former 2 mile long bridge over the Yarra river (broken into 7 segments some time in the past, of which 6 of the segments are now lost, including one that was 58 spans long, and another that was 37 spans long or there abouts).
Currently the Bunyip fire is heading towards Gembrook. If this gets too far, we may see the loss of Puffing Billy's most eastern terminus. The Healesville fire was downgraded, but is possibly still headed towards Healesville if I remember right...
Zec
Currently the Bunyip fire is heading towards Gembrook. If this gets too far, we may see the loss of Puffing Billy's most eastern terminus. The Healesville fire was downgraded, but is possibly still headed towards Healesville if I remember right...
Zec
Forest_Runner
Well-known member
At the time of my post, the official death toll is 173. 
Having been in position of having to previously fight fire saving property (on a Christmas Eve of all occasions), I can vouch it's a natural reaction to want to save everything you've put body, heart and soul into. A situation I would never want to experience again, nor wish upon anybody else.
What's happened is an awful tragedy, and has already been pointed out in this thread about the uniting of a nation. Many Corporations have been gracious by donating 7 figure lump sums to the cause. Various codes of sport are either participating or planning their own fund raisers. Undoubtedly, I'm sure we can expect the muso's to to have a gig or two to raise more money for the homeless and rebuilding which will take a long time.
Sure this does not undo anything or return the people that have been lost, but it provides hope in a time of darkness.
As an Australian I'm touched by the thoughts and feelings of people worldwide. This forum... then I read Web headlines of offers practical and manpower assistance from the US by Obama himself, over the ditch in New Zealand, puma helicopters from Singapore, resources from Japan, Turkey, Thailand, France, Indonesia.....the list goes on. Wow!
Having been in position of having to previously fight fire saving property (on a Christmas Eve of all occasions), I can vouch it's a natural reaction to want to save everything you've put body, heart and soul into. A situation I would never want to experience again, nor wish upon anybody else.
What's happened is an awful tragedy, and has already been pointed out in this thread about the uniting of a nation. Many Corporations have been gracious by donating 7 figure lump sums to the cause. Various codes of sport are either participating or planning their own fund raisers. Undoubtedly, I'm sure we can expect the muso's to to have a gig or two to raise more money for the homeless and rebuilding which will take a long time.
Sure this does not undo anything or return the people that have been lost, but it provides hope in a time of darkness.
As an Australian I'm touched by the thoughts and feelings of people worldwide. This forum... then I read Web headlines of offers practical and manpower assistance from the US by Obama himself, over the ditch in New Zealand, puma helicopters from Singapore, resources from Japan, Turkey, Thailand, France, Indonesia.....the list goes on. Wow!
Only the threat status was downgraded, the Healesville fire (actually a complex of six or seven fires) is still out of control, but not imminently threatening property. I have just come from a Public Meeting in Yarra Junction where we were informed that the Healesville fire is trending southwards despite the prevailing winds and is now only 18 km from the Bunyip fire, which is travelling north. Yarra Junction/Warburton are almost exactly in the middle, with two other large fires out of control slightly East of Warby. Currently playing a waiting game which will take two or three days to resolve...
Bugger!
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What can a pom from the other side of the world say
Thoughts and prayers from the uk to all in harms way and all who are fighting to save life and property
To the poor souls that have lost their lives my heart goes out to the families and loved ones left behind who now have to burden great loss
Nature can be awesome in many ways but unfortunately this is one way i'd love not to have seen
For the sick persons who may of helped worsen this horrific act of nature all i can say and hope is that justice catches up with you swiftly and you have a short misserable life ahead of you
God Bless Australia
Tony
Thoughts and prayers from the uk to all in harms way and all who are fighting to save life and property
To the poor souls that have lost their lives my heart goes out to the families and loved ones left behind who now have to burden great loss
Nature can be awesome in many ways but unfortunately this is one way i'd love not to have seen
For the sick persons who may of helped worsen this horrific act of nature all i can say and hope is that justice catches up with you swiftly and you have a short misserable life ahead of you
God Bless Australia
Tony
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