Fires in Victoria, Australia.

[Pursuit]

Hi all,

Who here on Jemsite falls under the following categories?

1. Are in Victoria and under threat from the fires.
2. Are in Victoria.
3. Have friends/family in Victoria under threat.
4. Are somewhere in Australia and aware of the situation or
5. Are not in Australia, but are aware of the situation?

For those of you who don't know, bushfires are engulfing the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia. At least three towns have been completely destroyed and wiped out, at least 650 homes destroyed, and last time I heard the death toll is 50 people and counting. Many of those people are young children. Some were found in houses, others in burnt out shells of cars leaving the towns.

One scene that really opened me up to how quickly the fires were going was a scene of two cars turning a corner in a town, except they weren't moving. Instead, they were just burnt out shells. They were on the edge of leaving the town when the fire hit them. To see what is usually a normal scene of everyday life turned into that context was quite scary.

And worst of all, the authorities say many of the fires were deliberately lit.

To those of you who know the story of Ash Wednesday 30 years ago, this event has been described as far worse.

[Pursuit]

Update: Death count up to 65.

[prydogga]

I fall in the category of 2 and 3, Some of my friends in Colraine were in trouble yesterday when fire nearly reached them, and some properties were burned.

[kotornut]

I'll be praying for the people in Australia. Thanks for all the info.

[Mike239]

Sorry to hear about the fires engulfing Vic , hoppefully you guys will pull through, its sucks buts its bushfire season atm, and couple that with the arsonists and it makes for a deadly combo.

Geez and i thought Ash wednesday was bad

[Pursuit]

Just thought I'd let you guys know I'm actually in Perth, Western Australia but I still think we should all give our support to those in Victoria.

Thanks to those who have already given some.

[IbanezFreak777]

I'm currently overseas, but live in Melbourne.

My Best friends holiday home burned to the ground, in marrysville.

Its tough times in Melbourne........

I hear there are firebugs who are re lighting fires...... crazy huh !!

[Petie]

I'm in Victoria, but not near the fires. It's crazy. Last I saw, the death toll was up to 84 (including newsreader Brian Naylor and his wife), 750 homes lost, entire small towns destroyed. The sky here in Melbourne had an eerie red glow this evening. As far as I know everyone's ok but I saw on Facebook that a former highschool classmate doesn't know if her home was destroyed.

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

Scary stuff indeed

Condolences to all who have been affected.

Much kudos to all the emergency services involved, they do an awesome job.

[LonePhantom]

It's a terrible situation down there. I remember the Canberra firestorm back in 2003 and that was pretty damn scary. This is such a tragedy with over 100 deaths, and probably many more.

[Pursuit]

That's right LonePhantom. In the space of under 12 hours, while I've been sleeping, the toll has climbed from 84 to 108.

[DavyH]

Heard 120 deaths this morning. The worst thing is they reckon at least two of these fires were started deliberately - sick.

[prydogga]

At least 126 confirmed deaths is terrible. I doubt that will be the final number but I hope no more lives are lost.

[Pursuit]

131 dead so far, and these have only been the outer towns. Firefighters are starting ot venture a little deeper, and they say they expect the toll to rise well over 230.

Whoever is responsible for this should hope that the police who catch them have excellent self-control.

[Hikey Mikey]

I send my best wishes and prayers to the people of Victoria. What a terrible story.