Australian Bushfires! (2 Viewers)

[The General]

I woke up this morning in the New South Wales country town of Bathurst to the news that 14 people had been killed as a result of bushfires in the neighbouring state of Victoria.

By the time I made the 200km return trip to Sydney the figure had been revised up to 35.

About an hour ago on the news they were saying that they can now confirm that 65 are dead.

This is absolutely terrible!

 

[The General]

Latest is 76 lives lost.

 

[Rob]

My thoughts go out to all in your country that are suffering in these awful fires.

Rob

 

[Ragnar]

Its 84 now....one whole town was wiped out.

 

[trooper]

Emailed my friend Craig Pearse of Wilson Edwards Toy soldiers this morning. he is OK but Bendigo has lost some 50 houses, one confirmed dead and dozens still unaccounted for. Makes your own problems seem somewhar insignificant doesn't it?

 

[Louis Badolato]

Your countrymen are in our thoughts. I hope that the United States is already mobilizing to help.

 

[The General]

Just woke up this morning to find the toll has risen to 108.

 

[sammy719]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of life for you all there in Australia, we here in the southwest U.S.A. get alot of brush fires sometimes really big ones but rarely have we had one with a large amount of deaths associated with them, so again my thoughts go out to all my friends down under, hang in there mates hope all gets better soon...Sammy

 

[1879fanatic]

Now I've read the death toll at 130 souls. I've been waching the news all day on this tragedy, and I know these are all good people trying to live their lives the best they can, far from the cities. I know everyone in Australia is either helping or praying. My prayers are with the folks who have lost everything and with those tasked with saving them. Godspeed!
Mike

 

[Rob]

I saw the Australian prime minister on tv trying to sum up his feelings about some of those who have started these fires.Its hard to comprehend why anyone would do this and what they can possibly get out of seeing so much death and destruction.Our thoughts are with all those suffering or mourning in Australia today.

Rob

 

[The General]

Currently the official death toll stands at 131.

It has been labelled the worst natural disaster in Australian history.

 

[theBaron]

Is it a natural disaster, or have the authorities not ruled out arson? If it turns out that someone deliberately set any or all of the fires, and he's caught, he should be shot for it.

 

[aujj65]

This is a truly horrible time and perversely there is flooding in North Queensland. Our thoughts are with you.

Jeff

 

[Rob]

Is it a natural disaster, or have the authorities not ruled out arson? If it turns out that someone deliberately set any or all of the fires, and he's caught, he should be shot for it.

They said on the news this morning they believe at least two of the major groups of fires were started on purpose.If caught it must be a murder charge.

Rob

 

[Octavian]

The news here has been distressing to say the least. Bearing witness to all this happening on home soil reminds us of our mortality. And while we bicker about the cards we are dealt regarding general angst in our everyday lives, the grief and anguish experienced by these victims shows how trivial our issues are by comparison. To all our Victorians, our hearts are with you.

 

[Combat]

I'm not sure about Australia, but in places like California they have overbuilt into areas that routinely have natural fires. It is a lethal and costly combination that results in lost homes every year. Not sure how or why insurance covers the building of these homes. In addition, many areas of the U.S. coastline have been overbuilt. That is a major disaster waiting to happen.

 

[1879fanatic]

I'm not sure about Australia, but in places like California they have overbuilt into areas that routinely have natural fires. It is a lethal and costly combination that results in lost homes every year. Not sure how or why insurance covers the building of these homes. In addition, many areas of the U.S. coastline have been overbuilt. That is a major disaster waiting to happen.

I don't think this is the case! These are hardy outpost towns in Victoria in the vast expanse of the SW. They are like our old mining type towns in the Old West, people just trying to make a living while living. The coastal overbuilds are a 180degree opposite story!
Mike

 

[The General]

The best illustration of the speed at which the fires were travelling is one bloke who said he was in his car with his mates and they were doing top speed along the highway with the inferno racing along the road behind them.

He said the fire kept up with them the entire way. I assume that they would have had to have been travelling at at least 100kph (62mph).

This mornings body count has reached 173.

 

[marco55]

If anyone set these fires on purpose they should burn in Hell forever.My heart goes out to those poor people who have died or lost everything they had.
Mark

 

[The General]

Your countrymen are in our thoughts. I hope that the United States is already mobilizing to help.

The Australian Capital Territory has sent 90 additional firefighters to the state of Victoria as well as fire engines whilst the state of New South Wales has sent over 250 firefighters plus fire fighting vehicles.

New Zealand was quick to respond sending across additional fire fighting equipment.

President Obama spoke to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today to offer his condolences and any help the from the U.S. that Australia may need.