[Julia]

We felt it would be of benefit to start a thread in the Australian forum in regards to the bushfires in Victoria.

This is for discussion, updates, to keep in touch with people affected. There is a thread in the off topic section too, but obviously members with less than 100 posts are unable to see the thread.

As many of us know, a very special Cat-Worlder has lost a loved one. Although it is reported in the media, for the sake of privacy (as this forum is open to the public), can we please avoid giving out too much personal information.

[Furrballz]

Thankyou Julia, I am sure this thread will be well used by the newer or less 'gabby' members of CW

[fleabag]

Thanks Julia.

[CatsRU]

Much appreciated Julia.

[Dalli]

Thank you for starting a thread that us with not enough posts can access

[sealhope]

I don't know about everyone else, but I am now so appalled by what has happened that I just can't read any more media reports about it. It is too awful. Every tragedy now seems individually so painful. My heart just goes out to everyone involved, whether they have suffered loss personally, or who had to suffer through the weather and fire storms, or who has been waiting anxiously on the sidelines for news of friends and family.

I heard a weather expert on ABC News Radio saying that this is now going to be a common occurrence - droughts combined with more extreme weather conditions setting up the conditions for these fire storms. Why do I feel that people are going to regard the onset of summer with absolute sick-to-the-stomach dread?

[Dalli]

I think you are right people are going to fear summer, it is going to take a long time, if ever to recover from this disaster, and l too heard they are predicting it to happen again

I have turned the news off as l dont think l can hear anymore

[Julia]

Why do I feel that people are going to regard the onset of summer with absolute sick-to-the-stomach dread?

I have ever since our town was evacuated due to bushfires in 2001. I absolutely hate the smell of smoke during the summer months, it fills me with dread.

I was just saying to a co-worker that these are such terrible times. Things we have all taken for granted such as our loved ones, our homes, our possessions can be gone in a matter of minutes. It makes me want to pack up & move back to the city & away from the bush.

[sealhope]

I have been wondering how much longer the CFA (or whatever authority) will be saying it is OK to stay and fight. So many of these people seem to have been trapped at the last moment and by then there is no escape. I know lots of people did successfully fight back the fire when their neighbours went up, but still ... I'd be getting the children out, surely, early in the day. Just in case. I'd be going with them! LOL

[Dalli]

I was wondering the same thing. We know people who lost all their horses, chooks and dogs, the hubby stayed to fight but made the wife and kids leave, the fire got everything but went aroung the house! l cant believe how this can happen

[Merri]

that I just can't read any more media reports about it. It is too awful.

I watched ABC Kids this morning, instead of the morning shows. I felt guilty, because these people can't escape their sufferering, but I didn't need to be taking in any more detail.

[Bethinx Ragdolls (Kaemma)]

When we had the fires in '94 on the Central Coast, we were told we could stay and fight if we wanted, but if you had children you had to get out - I had to leave, with the kids and the dog, hubby and mum were able to stay to fight if needed - though he threw mum out and told her to go when the smoke got bad and you couldn't see - only a last minute wind change saved the houses - we were evacuated for 3 days I think it was.

But this has moved so fast there hasn't been time to warn people to get out. - We had police telling us to go - still remember it.

Thanks Julia too.

Liz

[Doreen]

I agree, from the sounds of it, the fire roared through some areas so fast that nothing could have saved the homes, so why not tell people to evacuate, why give them the option of staying to fight. It's been just horrific.

[sealhope]

I was also thinking last night (I just can't stop thinking about it) that if you were in any kind of vulnerable area, how much would it cost to have a concrete lined bunker somewhere in the yard? Or one of those shipping containers? You wouldn't have to stay in there long, only until the worst of the firestorm had passed, but it would save your life (you could cheaply insulate the shipping container to keep out the worst of the heat). Maybe vulnerable communities, like Marysville, could have community bunkers, or several smaller ones at various points about the town. Almost like those pedestrian underpasses that go under roads. Wouldn't need to be much or cost that much to install, but would save lives. Heck, get in a big yellow machine, dig a pit, partly bury one of those big round concrete pipes - safe.

[CatsRU]

I am listening to a Melbourne Radio Station at the moment and although it is so sad and tragic, there are a few bright things like the support that is being offered. We all need to keep up that support if we can.