Victorian Bush Fires 2015

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Here is news flash. We take a break in our normal transmission to bring you some pictures of what has been happening over the past few days.

Saturday 2nd January was very hot. It was a great day to go for a drive in the air-conditioned car to sit in the air-conditioned restaurant and enjoy a gastronomic feast. You'll hear more about that in the next regular edition of the blog. As we lunched, a storm came over and had cleared by the time we departed. Then.... Just click on the Additional photos below button or scroll down to see photos.

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Photos

We stopped to take photos of previous fire damage.
The black sky is from storm clouds hanging over the western edge of The Grampians

Local inhabitants are a bit freaked out...
by the wind, thunder, falling branches and smoke.

A wind storm had passed through here while we enjoyed lunch.
We were able to travel along the road without too much trouble.

O. K perhaps we're a bit too close now.
We're in the Black Range National Park now and it's looking pretty serious. We know people whose properties back on to the park.

Time for some fire readiness
Sunday passed without incident. On Monday, Peter thought it wise to clear away some leaf litter and clean the gutters out. It was a hot day but some things just can't wait.

7pm Monday The view from the front gate!
Dinner can wait; we should pack!

It's getting serious again.
There was a "Watch and Act" alert sent out to our phones. We thought it wise to pack the necessary belongings in the van and our car, help Tracey with her packing, tow the fire truck closer to the house and fill it with water.

Not flames!
Just a beautiful sunset! We managed to stay put for the night.

Early Tuesday afternoon
Looking serious again and another "Prepare to Evacuate" notice came through. This photo is taken from where you saw Peter cleaning up the leaves! Once again the threat eased and we were able to stay on the property. We later learned that the fire had come within 6 km of us. That was close enough, thank you.

Wednesday
The fire had flared up again and was really threatening friends' properties. Peter and Lockie (who was now home from Melbourne) were prepared to lend a hand, but were not needed. So, they went to get some photos instead.

Fire crews from far and wide are there to lend a hand.
These crews are mopping up one area whilst keeping an eye on what's happening not too far away.

The fire continued on an altered route.
Click on the image to bring up all of the caption. The fire that started on Saturday was under control and then broke containment lines. As fires do, they change with the weather situations. It had come within 6 km from us which was quite enough for us. Yesterday, our friends' properties were under threat and the fire was heading away from us. Last night -a little bit of rain; this morning quite a few good showers. There is a lot of rain forecast for the weekend. Let's hope that it comes. This poor parched and now, burnt country sure could do with a good long drink.

Comments

[gerri koelma]

Glad you are safe!
Hi Wendy and Peter Sounds very stressful. I'm glad you listened to all the advises provided. Stay safe! Happy New Year! Hope 2015 is filled with lots of adventures, blessings, family fun and laughter. Love Gerri and Geoff

[Wendy Bauve]

Fires
Glad to know you're safe and well. Happy New Year and may this be another great year of travel for you.