Like much of the Australian east coast, here in the Blue Mountains the persistent smoke haze from the fires has been unprecedented. While Katoomba has so far not been listed as under threat, fires have been burning to the north and south of us for many weeks, getting quite (too) close at times, and resulting in property damage in some nearby areas.
Record high temperatures have been set, and then repeatedly broken, over the last several weeks. Yesterday (Saturday) was predicted to be one of the worst days yet. Ironically, in my town it was the first time we have seen a dawn in ages, and the day remained clear until after nightfall, although we could see a large plume of smoke in the distance. With the onset of night for the first time we could see the flicking flames across the valley, about 20kms to the south of us. Then the wind then swung around, blowing the smoke again towards us, and the flames and glow disappeared in the smoke and dark. Thankfully that particular fire was downgraded from 'Emergency' to 'Watch and Act' over the period of a sleepless night. A shower or two is forecast for tonight. It won't put out the fire, but should slow its advance.
It is often said that a crisis brings out the best in humanity, and that certainly seems to be the case for this disaster. The media reports are full of acts of bravery and generosity. People have come from all over the country (and world), to help in the response to the fires. In Australia most firies and support personnel are volunteers. They are all heroes!
Phil