Ship of Fools: Bush Fires, Tasmania

Thread: Bush Fires, Tasmania Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by bib (# 13074) on :

Tasmania has today experienced catastrophic bush fires accompanied by a heat wave. Many homes,buildings and stock have been lost and there are unconfirmed reports of loss of life. Please uphold the victims of this tragedy in prayer and your thoughts as the emergency is continuing.

[ 04. January 2013, 14:50: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :

I don't know how many Shipmates we have in Tasmania but doubtless some Aussie shippies will know. Anyway if they can please check in when they can to let us know they are okay.

Thanks.

[Votive]

[ 04. January 2013, 12:37: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

For our info.... Here is the news...

http://www.theage.com.au/national/tasmanian-bushfire-damage-grows-20130105-2c9l4.html

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :

Wild fires! [Mad]

We have them yearly in Calif. and the Southwest and they are bad news.

[Votive]

for Tasmanians in the path.

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

In a lesser way, my own state... But as far as I know, we Victorian posters are fine, but hot.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/fires-burn-as-victoria-cools/story-e6frfku9-1226547980922

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

After a day in the national capital of temperatures around 40 degrees celsius, it is now hailing. Unbelievable.

But I do hope this has come from the south and that the scorched states there are getting some fire relief tonight.
[Votive]

For all who are singed and suffering.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

Cramner's Baggage was in Tasmania, but it's ages since she posted and she may have moved on.

[Votive]

for Tasmainians and hoping other states remain safe.

Huia

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :

Really praying for the fire crews who don't get any respite in these sorts of conditions.

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

I had thought of Cranmer's Baggage, but it is well over 2 years since her last post. My understanding was that her parish was in the Bicheno/east coast region.

Prayers for all those affected and those in the emergency services.

[ 05. January 2013, 08:28: Message edited by: Gee D ]

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

I had a quick message from her elsewhere a couple of months ago, I think, but nothing of her movements.

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
After a day in the national capital of temperatures around 40 degrees celsius, it is now hailing. Unbelievable.

But I do hope this has come from the south and that the scorched states there are getting some fire relief tonight.
For all who are singed and suffering.

Here in Adelaide we went from a diabolically dangerous 45 degree day yesterday (over 40 for eight hours non-stop!) to a mild change last night, only 32 today but looking at five consecutive days over 35 from tomorrow onwards.

There have been lots of fires around South Australia in the last few days which have kept CFS crews busy, thankfully their swift use of very aggressive tactics managed to stop anything getting seriously out of hand but a number of buildings have been lost. I think this week there have been two which have gotten to the point of requiring community meetings.

Please everyone, don't be tempted to go into areas near firegrounds to try and get a look at what's going on. Fire trucks are large vehicles which operate best if their crews know the roads will be clear, you could be putting yourself in danger, rural road networks can be confusing at times, and sightseers can be fined by the police for obstructing emergency services or (if seen repeatedly) even placed under covert surveillance as a suspected arsonist.

[ 05. January 2013, 11:26: Message edited by: the giant cheeseburger ]

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
Cramner's Baggage was in Tasmania, but it's ages since she posted and she may have moved on.

for Tasmainians and hoping other states remain safe.

Huia

CB is south-east of Hobart, close to but not in the fire area, Is helping at the evacuation centres and probably far too busy to post here. Brief mention on fb yesterday.

Kepp praying, folks!

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :

Mum called this evening (we are in Sydney for the weekend) to say that there was a fire just a few km away from home. Probably a lightning strike. They had the hoses out but a later update indicates it's on the way to being under control.

Twitter suggests that ACT RFS crew are there relieving the locals. Thanks to all who are doing their bit.

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

Thank you Rexory - I had her parish in the opposite direction.

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :

I am a Tasmanian, and the last few days have been horrific. Many homes and businesses have been lost, stock destroyed, people traumatised and as yet unconfirmed lives lost. There is a deep sense of grief in the whole community. The town of Dunalley was completely incinerated and there are still intense fires burning. My policeman son in law has been sent to Dunalley to search through the rubble and he is fearful of finding humain remains. Please pray for us in Tasmania as we come to terms with this tragedy.

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :

[Votive]

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

Thanks for the news on Cramner's Baggage.

Bib [Votive]

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :

Checking in, keep us posted. [Votive]

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :

[Votive]

for all those affected by the fires, those who've lost their homes and the emergency personnel fighting fires and searching through rubble.

[Votive]

also for the next few days as weather conditions remain extreme throughout much of the continent.

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :

Latest update is that some of the fires have once again been upgraded to emergency. Also my sources tell me that there are over 100 people unaccounted for, some of whom may be ok but just haven't notified anybody. I hope this is the case, but there are bound to be some in whom the story will be less positive. Police are going through the burnt out properties at present. We prayed at church this morning for the victims and for those who have volunteered to help. Thanks to all the shipmates who are praying and showing that they care.

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :

We also prayed for all involved with the fires at church this morning. Will continue to do so, especially for a change in the weather, and for those in Dunalley. The news footage from there was pretty horrendous.

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

[Votive]

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :

Well, I'm now home, and I've seen the area of (mostly) grass that was burnt out, and the home that was under threat at one point. It was definitely the closest that we've had fire since arriving.

But I've also seen some pictures from Tassie and it's horrifying to see the devastation. Prayers for all affected and involved.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

From fire, wind, and all extremities of weather, Good Lord deliver us.

[Votive]

And with great admiration for those who leave the safety of their own homes to look after those whose homes are lost or in peril, despite the obvious and serious dangers of doing so. May they too receive the ministry they need in the aftermath.

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

Extreme weather conditions will continue in both Tasmania and Victoria for the next few weeks.
Sadly.

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :

[Votive]

Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :

[Votive]

A most beautiful part of the world.

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :

[Votive]

Posted by PaulBC (# 13712) on :

Tasmania & SE Australia remembered in chuurch
this am in Victoria BC Canada . Keep them in mind shipmates . [Votive]

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

[Votive]

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Praying for all in Tasmania and that the missing turn up ok.

Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :

[Votive]

Prayers for all facing the horror and uncertainty of fires.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

The story of a school chaplain and his family really touched me - maybe because I was imagining what it would be like to try to save five of my grandchildren in these horrific circumstances. Big props to grandpa and grandma who spent three hours in the cold water holding up three children where the only breathable air was just above the surface. And I sincerely hope grandpa gets an award for all he did to get them to clean air.

No deaths reported yet. May it be so throughout tomorrow as well - it looks like being another scorcher. 99 fires are burning in the countryside around us, and 20 of them are uncontained.
[Votive]

Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :

[Votive]

For rescued, rescuers and those unaccounted for.

Posted by Yam-pk (# 12791) on :

I'm not that familiar with the geography of Tasmania, but have family of friends in Launceston and Hobart - can anyone say whether those places are/have been under threat at all?

[ 07. January 2013, 15:08: Message edited by: Yam-pk ]

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :

Does this help.

Jengie

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
From fire, wind, and all extremities of weather, Good Lord deliver us.

And with great admiration for those who leave the safety of their own homes to look after those whose homes are lost or in peril, despite the obvious and serious dangers of doing so. May they too receive the ministry they need in the aftermath.

Amen.

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
The story of a school chaplain and his family really touched me - maybe because I was imagining what it would be like to try to save five of my grandchildren in these horrific circumstances. Big props to grandpa and grandma who spent three hours in the cold water holding up three children where the only breathable air was just above the surface. And I sincerely hope grandpa gets an award for all he did to get them to clean air.

No deaths reported yet. May it be so throughout tomorrow as well - it looks like being another scorcher. 99 fires are burning in the countryside around us, and 20 of them are uncontained.

That also presses my buttons but not in a good way.

Big props to Grandma and Grandpa, have to say less than impressed at Mum (Dad's role less clear as to when he went tramping in the bush) leaving 5 kids with elderly Grandparents in a very dangerous area when the bushfire menace was clear (as admitted by the Mother in the video footage) [Mad]

Mum and Dad irritated me, maybe they're still in shock and that's why they're not as guilty and grateful as they should be.

I grew up in a bushfire area and my parents knew the escape routes were limited (only 1 really), so when Dad stayed at home filling gutters with water etc, Grandma , Mum & us kids were sent to wait it out in safe areas. That's being responsible, not leaving Grandparents to hold non-swimming children afloat clinging to a jetty breathing toxic air for 3 hours [Tear]

Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :

[Votive]

for those around the country who have lost homes
[Votive]

for those waiting for news
[Votive]

for those who, not content with allowing nature and accident to be the trigger, want to start more

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :

[Votive]

Prayers for those affected by the bush-fires.

I remember the one a few years back - the story of the koala with burnt paws will stay with me forever... I was hosting All Saints in tears the whole time.

For the safety of all the people. [Votive]

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Evangeline:
That also presses my buttons but not in a good way.

Big props to Grandma and Grandpa, have to say less than impressed at Mum (Dad's role less clear as to when he went tramping in the bush) leaving 5 kids with elderly Grandparents in a very dangerous area when the bushfire menace was clear (as admitted by the Mother in the video footage) Mum and Dad irritated me, maybe they're still in shock and that's why they're not as guilty and grateful as they should be.

I grew up in a bushfire area and my parents knew the escape routes were limited (only 1 really), so when Dad stayed at home filling gutters with water etc, Grandma , Mum & us kids were sent to wait it out in safe areas. That's being responsible, not leaving Grandparents to hold non-swimming children afloat clinging to a jetty breathing toxic air for 3 hours

I agree, this is a perfect example of everything being done wrong by the mother, she's extremely lucky to not be grieving the loss of her parents and children.

This is why there will be many deaths in the Adelaide Hills next time there is a fire there. We've had 29 trouble-free seasons since the last one (Ash Wednesday II, 30 years this 16 Feb) which has allowed complacency to sink in further each time a dangerous day passes without great incident. It was still a few years before I was born at that point, but I've heard enough stories of how scary it was even for people who weren't directly affected that I know to take bushfire risk seriously and avoid visiting the hills on a day of extreme or catastrophic fire danger. The people who have moved into the hills more recently don't, in general, have any direct or even second-hand experience of bushfires. They don't understand that leaving will be scary and chaotic unlike when they go out to do their shopping, or that the telecommunications network will fall over, or that the CFS won't be able to send a truck to save their house because they'll be withdrawing to positions where they can mount a defence.

Most areas which are prone to bushfires racing through the hills won't have the desperate option of refuge in a convenient watercourse or the sea. Will it have to take an actual bushfire before people will finally get it? [Waterworks]

quote:
Originally posted by PeteC:
Prayers for those affected by the bush-fires.

I remember the one a few years back - the story of the koala with burnt paws will stay with me forever... I was hosting All Saints in tears the whole time.

For the safety of all the people.

I also remember that season very clearly (I had friends in Western Victoria whose CFA unit was heavily involved) and I can't believe we're coming up on three years since then in a few weeks. Same with the floods and cyclone from early 2011, it feels odd to have skipped a whole summer without a major disaster between then and now.

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

The crisis continues, across several states now.... And as the temperatures rise towards the end of the week .....

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :

I'm relieved to report that as yet no bodies have been found despite an intense police search. However, there are many people who have not as yet been found and police are appealing for people to let officials know their whereabouts. Residents of Dunalley etc have just started going back home to check if they still have a home as the roads have been closed all week for safety. Thank you to all who have prayed for Tasmania. Fires are still burning but the situation has eased somewhat.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Still 99 fires burning out of control across NSW and temperatures above 40 degrees celsius expected for the next week.... [Mad]

indeed... especially regarding the juvenile pyromaniacs who have been detained for lighting more of the hellfire around us.

Less lightening lately, which is a good thing.
The deadly snakes heading into outback towns for some cool places to rest is not.

[ 11. January 2013, 18:47: Message edited by: Banner Lady ]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

FYI
and no, I'm not kidding regarding the snake plague or idiots who light fires.

Australia is still a wonderful place to visit - except in January this year...

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
the snake plague

AIIIYYYEEEEEE! [Eek!]

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

quote:
Originally posted by comet:

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
the snake plague
AIIIYYYEEEEEE!

You're not even away from the snakes on the plane.
Video here.

This was news just a couple of days ago.

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

The situation continues still...

Australia still burns!

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Another 40 fires started by lightning strikes in northern NSW overnight.

Lord, have mercy.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

[Votive]

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :

Bad conditions near Coonabarabran, the Siding Springs Observatory is damaged and under threat of complete destruction. All people evacuated but would be a sad loss of research & potential.

SMH Sky falls in on top observatory

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

My Dad's elderly uncle and I think some other relatives live in Coonabarabran. Thankfully there doesn't seem to be any loss of life though over 30 houses have been lost. Praying for my rellies and everyone there.

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

There are terrible, large fires, 2 hrs west of me. I have been called in as tonight's team leader at the evacuation centre (2 hrs) away, to minister to evacuees.
This is the first major emergency the gov has used its new church/government response team.
Please pray for all concerned.
Thanks

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Have been watching reports of things down Rowen's way. Very scary, when the fire quadrupled in size even before the hot gusty winds began. I am sure there are a lot of very anxious souls, and am praying for continued preservation of life. There is a haze over the Canberra/Monaro tablelands tonight. I will be surprised if we see clear skies any time soon.

Rain, please, Lord. I'd post a votive, but it just seems like the wrong thing to add another flame in this heat. [Paranoid]

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Praying for everyone. Sadly there has been one fatality in the Victorian fires. I'm really praying for no more. I always feel horrified when the news reports that police and firefighters have told people it's too late to leave/evacuate. I know it doesn't necessarily mean the worst, but just the thought of people trapped and waiting makes me sick.

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

An Evacuation Centre has just opened in Omeo. I can't make it today, as tomorrow I am booked to meet emergency ministers in Jindabyne, which includes the NSW area I look after. This all means staying overnight.
But I hope to be available later in the week.
Irony really,.... Double-booked for emergency fire ministry. A rare situation to be in.
Prayers welcomed, for all involved.

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :

I met a couple of the trained volunteers from one of the notable churches in Ballarat that are part of the disaster ministry a couple of weekends ago, the ministry was being promoted at their Sunday night service after their first deployment for the Wendouree evac centre in the mid-week when there were fires west of Ballarat.

Full respect for them, and to their congregation which was going well and truly beyond the expectation in providing them with the support they needed.

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