On a ride through the Blue Mountains near Sydney. Most of the area we rode is now burnt out with the fires. The fire came within 1/2 a mile of my eldest son’s home and my cousin lost her home. Over 16 million acres burnt in our state alone.

* Last updated by: TrashHauler on 1/6/2020 @ 12:36 AM *

Mother Nature needs to give you all a break. I'm happy you and your family are safe but loosing a home is a devastating event. Stay close with your loved ones.

I'm just saying, bad for humans/animals, good for the environment. Man has controlled natures matches, i.e., lightening. We are in the same fire trap here. Lost a cabin in the mountains years ago. But when the vegetation grows back, it's much greener with that charred carbon mixed in the dirt. Amazing number. Here, I think the last one was a few hundred thousand acres. I know the country is huge so millions means it's been doing that for millions of years.

Visiting Phillip Island a few years ago, the terrain is like what you see behind you. No fire break meaning. I can see how the acres pile up. Another fire being so close to this house, you'd have to experience the speed of how fast a fire moves.

* Last updated by: Hub on 1/6/2020 @ 8:35 AM *

Before and after fire - King Island South Australia

Wow.

Trash...so sad......
and now I am reading that many fires were started , arson...???

To give some idea of the spread of fires in Australia. We are very thankful for many countries sending assistance including our friends in the US.

* Last updated by: TrashHauler on 1/7/2020 @ 5:58 PM *

Over 200 people charged with arson so far this fire season. Some are just dumb - one guy using an angle grinder in a paddock. Others are plain evil.

A few have PMed me about making donations to help with the bush fire relief. Best thing is to donate to either Red Cross [url=https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate] or Salvation Army [url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal]

* Last updated by: TrashHauler on 1/7/2020 @ 6:35 PM *

Growing up in Western Canada, I am quite used to forest fires. A regular part of the forest ecosystem but it seems we are seeing more fires and more intense fires in areas not usually affected to such a degree world wide.

Volunteers from Canada are there to assist as well. Stay safe and heed the advice of local authorities.