Not our usual Aussie sky - but becoming more and more commonly seen. Our Qld. State Government yesterday recommended that people stay indoors if possible as our air quality was worse than Beijing. The N.S.W. State Government recommended that people do not drive if possible as it was unsafe. They also closed 600 schools for the day. Fire fighters from New Zealand have arrived to help out.....
@jgpittenger I heard this morning that over a million hectares/2,480,000 acres has been burnt already, one fire of 150,000 Ha (371,000 acres) has a perimeter of 1000 Km/620 miles! 3 people have died and at least 150 homes lost so far, goodness knows how many sheds etc, not to mention wildlife and livestock deaths and it's far from over. These figures are from highly responsible reliable sources. Like your Californian fires, the situation is catastrophic. And our stupid self-centred pollies are still exchanging insults with each other instead of getting behind the efforts to deal with these fires. Sorry for the rant, just needed to vent.
Very smoky here too yesterday and we aren't as close to the fires as you are. Yesterday morning we nearly choked all day. Our cars are covered in red dust too.
As Marnie said over a million hectares have been burnt already (10,000 sq km) @golftragic Being an ex pommie that equates to half of England.
We had a small brush fire take off in the property behind us one year and it was really scary watching the firefighters trying to get it under control. I look at this shot and know it's just the tip of a "fireburg" (my play on iceberg) and it seems our little brush with fire was nothing. I hope you stay safe and that somehow this comes to an end soon. Sooo sad!
@olivetreeann Thank you for your thoughts Ann - it is a very depressing and terrifying time over here. We spent yesterday preparing a "Go -bag" - it has to contain all of your absolute essentials - so that you can just pick it up and go when told to evacuate! Thanks again for your thoughts.
@elisasaeter Hi Elizabeth - it was nice to hear that your daughter has been here - I hope she has enjoyed her time on the Coast. We've had fires in the hinterland and hence some very smoky days - but luckily only 1 fire on the actual Coast - and I believe they have brought that under control. It was actually very close to our son's home in Helensvale - but quite a way from the Uni. Will your daughter be returning next year? :)
@peadar Thanks Peter - unfortunately our climate over here is changing quite quickly for the worse and there is little chance that things are magically going to get better.....
@casablanca Thanks for your thoughts Casablanca - some rain would be a Godsend - but it doesn't appear to be going to happen any day soon. And we are only still in Spring! It's so very depressing.
@onewing Hi Babs - we were lucky yesterday - it didn't get as windy as they predicted - we have 7 acres of bush and a westerly could have pushed the hinterland fire down onto us. It's frightening and we are only on the periphery!
@jgpittenger Hi Jane - it is so very depressing and very scary. And we are only on the periphery here on the Coast. A big westerly wind could push the hinterland fire down onto us but luckily the winds haven't been as bad as predicted. Stanthorpe is another case altogether - we could very easily lose that house and all the bush surrounding it. We keep our fingers crossed... Thanks for your thoughts.
@robz It must be so scary for you. We are much further away from the actual fires at the moment but you must be choking where you are. We did have three fires during the winter here but nothing as bad as the fires now. I shudder to think what the summer will bring. Still no sign of rain. Hope you can stay safe.
I am thinking of all my Aussie friends at the moment.
My brother in law is supposed to be coming down here tomorrow for a few days for our 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Hope he can make it and also get home to Hervey Bay again safely next week.
@onewing Hi Babs - I just saw your comment here - did your brother-in-law make it safely from Hervey Bay . He must have had to drive through some badly affected areas. Also, many congratulations on your 50th anniversary - that's a wonderful milestone! :)
@robz not sure yet, they set off today and are planning on staying at Balina tonight, continuing their trip tomorrow. I am going to ring them this evening to see where they are. Thanks for your congratulations
As Marnie said over a million hectares have been burnt already (10,000 sq km) @golftragic Being an ex pommie that equates to half of England.
I am thinking of all my Aussie friends at the moment.
My brother in law is supposed to be coming down here tomorrow for a few days for our 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Hope he can make it and also get home to Hervey Bay again safely next week.