Victorian Bushfires 7 Feb 2009 Options

[plu]

Hi all,

I have been following the heat and fires all day on the web, Twitter, TV and Facebook - sometimes in communication with Cool Runners.

I have been hearing the names of places where possible Cool Runners live.

I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with our Cool Running friends who are doing it hard in Victoria. I hope you are all safe.

Plu

[M12]

It was terrible this arvo. I go outside and all I see is thick smoke and towards the horizon of my view a darker redish-grey looking smoke.
Those affected I hope not all is lost and that your homes are safe and more importantly you guys are okay.

[youngrunner]

it certainly is unpleasant, i've being involved in the emergency response side of it and no one here has seen anything like it. it all happened so quick. i'm just very nervous as to what we're going to find tomorrow in the cold light of day. Houses can be rebuilt, but in terms of loss of life this is a bad fire.

Jimmy

[walker1st]

yes it was extreme in its worst.
early evening it cooled down significantly and this morning it is actualy quite cold.
smoke is in the air
high storm activity, thunder all around but the few rain droplets are drying out before reaching the ground all that is falling is sand and dust.

police was giving hints, that they are actualy close to arresting few firebugs from yesterday fires as well from fires 1-2 weeks ago south of MEL.

This is consequence of complete break out of magnetic field of the Earth, which was even reported by NASA during 2007-2008, and it will continue - get worse for few more years - all around the globe the unusual and silly weather extreme
for some time we will have extra activite storm activities, often just dry with no rain

as allways there is light at the end of it, teh weather will stabilize and will change in a way that areas previously very dry would become rainy and vice versa.

back to yesterday - despite warnings from authorieties, health and emergency governements etc,
some completely irresponsible parents and officials from LA completely ignorant to kids health were running teh LA meet, I have seen personaly 1 starting is usual at 9am and they often go for 3-4 hours. From teh lower number of kids it looked like at least half teh parents got some brain left and did not turn up, but the organization - the the body of LA is highly irresponsible for not enforcing the total ban on kids LA yestreday, as teh rule is to have ambulance in attendance 1 ambulance was there, so they even tight up the services like this

[lebusqp]

A great effort from the 300 or so guys who contained the Redesdale fire 20kms from Heathcote township. At last report the fire had been contained to about 10000 ha. It seems to have been held up in the rugged hills of the McHarg. I'm just hoping the Connallys haven't again lost shedding, fences and stock up there. They nearly lost a house up there a couple of years ago.
I believe the Eaglehawk/Long Gully/Maiden Gully fire destroyed 50 homes and John Brumby said last night there had been some casualties there. This is the part of Bendigo where I worked from for 4 years and I know many people in the area. For those not familiar with Bendigo this area is just 4kms from the CBD. Eaglehawk and Long Gully are largely suburban with pockets of forest and open space from old mining areas.
The Kilmore, Wandong, Whittlesea, Kinglake and Healesville areas are places I know extremely well and I know many people in these towns. The rugged terrain, so attractive to run and ride through would be a nightmare to fight fire in.
Hopefully the many runners I know from Traralgon Harriers are safe and well.

[Whippet Man]

Horrific scenes. Just saw footage of a devastated Marysville. Appears to be completely wiped out. Hope Doch Lach is OK up there.

[bruyere]

Hi from Canada, where these fires and the devastation and losses are hitting the news.

Just wanted to pop in here to see what people were saying, and to send you all safe wishes.

Stay safe!

[AngelicOne]

This is awful ... just been checking it out on the news ... my thoughts are with those who are facing up to this tragedy today.

[drew70]

Thoughts, prayers and best wishes to all who are affected by these shocking fires down there. Also to everyone up North, with all the flooding. We are having a very easy time of it in Brissie.. Take care

[plu]

Here are some updates of where firefighters are working on Twitter

http://twitter.com/cfa_updates

http://twitter.com/myrfs

http://twitter.com/CFA_NEWS

cheers Plu

[RMC]

Shocking day yesterday with heat and fires. Some fires not far up the road from me in Beaconsfield. My sister is trying to save her house now, she lives in Neerim (bunyip state forest fire). All roads up there are cut so can't get in. Fire trucks there at least helping out. 46.4c yesterday was unreal but much cooler (low 20's) with showers today.

[Didge]

Talking to my niece this morning who lives in pakenham - her uncle and aunt who live somewhere down that way nearly lost their house, but fortunately it was saved.
Thinking of all you guys down there and hope it all settles soon.

[Huff]

Guys,

Give Blood, Donate, Help however you can.

[Sunset]

horrible. 35 dead so far.

My thoughts are with all those affected.

[RMC]

Horrific scenes. Just saw footage of a devastated Marysville. Appears to be completely wiped out. Hope Doch Lach is OK up there.

I sent a text message to Lachlan this afternoon, no reply yet. Hope he is ok? Marysville is wiped out.

[M12]

Heard on the radio it was upto 49 lives lost. Gotta be the worst day in the history of Victoria.
I'm gonna try give blood on Tuesday or atleast sometime this week.

[Gronk]

SMH is reporting up to 65 deaths now. A very sad time in Australian history..

This post has been edited by Gronk: Feb 8 2009, 04:50 PM

[Whippet Man]

I sent a text message to Lachlan this afternoon, no reply yet. Hope he is ok? Marysville is wiped out.

A lot of communication towers are out. Hope he is OK.

[brettsrun]

Tried Doc Lach on Mobile 7pm,
Still no answer.
Such devastation in the area and Marysville pretty much wiped out.

Hope Docs Ok.

[StellaBella]

I only just heard about this (don't watch the news much) and have been reading the online papers and I feel a tad sick
I know Marysville & that general area quite well and I can't believe it's been almost completely wiped out - it's such a beautiful place!
My heart goes out to everyone effected EVERYWHERE...I hope all CRs are safe and well!

(I hope they catch the c**ts that lit those fires... no other way to describe them... currently I'd advocate burning them at the stake.)

Edit: The Age Website now states 66 dead

This post has been edited by StellaBella: Feb 8 2009, 06:52 PM

[Beanie]

Has anbody heard from RunBare? She lives in Wadonga.

Beanie

[brettsrun]

Beanie, dont think there is to much risk at Wadonga, there are some fires around Beechworth I beilieve but thats a a fair way away

This post has been edited by brettsrun: Feb 8 2009, 10:23 PM

[StellaBella]

Deathtoll is 76 now

[Horrie]

Shocking news. It has been total devastation. Unbelievable that so many homes and lives have been lost. Hope DocLach is okay.

Will these fires have any impact on Maroondah Dam next week?

[maryclaire]

I only just heard about this (don't watch the news much) and have been reading the online papers and I feel a tad sick
I know Marysville & that general area quite well and I can't believe it's been almost completely wiped out - it's such a beautiful place!
My heart goes out to everyone effected EVERYWHERE...I hope all CRs are safe and well!

(I hope they catch the c**ts that lit those fires... no other way to describe them... currently I'd advocate burning them at the stake.)

Edit: The Age Website now states 66 dead

I found out tonight that 2 families I know at Buxton (5min. from Marysville) have lost their properties - one of them managed to release stock hoping to save them before being evacuated; my childrens' school also has property up there and has suffered significant damage. But of course, highest priority now is for lives; assess property damage later.

[maryclaire]

Just read on twitter ABC 774 link that Brian Naylor (Ch 9 newsreader for many years) and his wife are amongst the victims. 84 now dead in Victorian fires.

This post has been edited by maryclaire: Feb 8 2009, 08:55 PM

[plu]

HI all,

Been following the bushfires for the last 36 hours. Firstly on Twitter checking out temperatures in different areas and conversations developed online in Twitter and facebook. My whole day of following the fires and heat is here in Twitter .

Then the reality of it locked in when I saw this status update by Magnus on his Facebook.



Last night when the news of the 14 dead came through then the benefit of Twitter really came to the fore as infomation was coming through faster than the online media outlets. Much of it fed through Sky News.



With in half an hour information was on BBC News but nothing on CNN when I went to bed at 1:00am.

Before I went to bed I started a thread on Cool Running about the bushfires as I was hearing the names of places where I thought Cool Runners live. Some of the more personal perspectives are starting to come through.

As a geography teacher this is going to be very valuable to help my students understand natural disasters such as bushfires including the causes, planning required to manage it, understanding who the stakeholders are, strategic planning, responses under emergency, value of communication - web TV radio.... immediate and long term impacts, post fire support that is required and then lessons learnt.

But at the moment thoughts and prayers with those effected and the bushfire fighters.

cheers PLu

Update: you can do realtime Twitter searches here. Click Search to update.

[RunBare]

Has anbody heard from RunBare? She lives in Wadonga.

Beanie

We are ok here thanks beanie. A decent fire at Beechworth (which is about 20 minutes drive from here) as was mentioned, but the only thing we are dealing with is a LOT of smoke. Have prepared to move if necessary, but I doubt that we are in the kind of danger that we are seeing in so many other towns.

My heart and prayers go out to those who have lost everything, it is truly a tragic time.

[Sunset]

I holidayed in Marysville last year. Can't believe that lovely little town is no more!

[brettsrun]

Shocking news. It has been total devastation. Unbelievable that so many homes and lives have been lost. Hope DocLach is okay.

Will these fires have any impact on Maroondah Dam next week?

The MD run is not directly effected at the moment, depends on weather for next few days and if there are still spot fires burning.
the authorities may well see fit to prevent it going ahead if things dont improve.

Prayers and thoughts with all in the areas effected, hard to comprehend the scenes beaming down the TV

EDIT -

Some authorites have suggested they will be working on these fires for several weeks now, mopping up etc,
I guess that leaves a big question mark in the MD50, will watch closely.

This post has been edited by brettsrun: Feb 8 2009, 11:05 PM

[RMC]

Still no word on Lachlan Fraser (a regular ultra runner) who lives in Marysville. If anyone hears please post here. With the pictures I've seen of Marysville on the news there's nothing left.

[Maggot]

Still no word on Lachlan Fraser (a regular ultra runner) who lives in Marysville. If anyone hears please post here. With the pictures I've seen of Marysville on the news there's nothing left.

For those that don't know CR 'Doc Lac', he is the local GP in Marysville, a stunning little tourist hamlet in the hills an hour or so out of Melbourne. Our thoughts are with you mate...
Mgtman

[AngelicOne]

This Victorian situation is unbelievably horrible.
My thoughts and wishes are extended to everyone involved ...

I hope we hear good news from Lachlan soon.

[Ultraphil]

Any news on Lachlan Fraser yet?

[RMC]

Any news on Lachlan Fraser yet?

No.
There is a video report on Marysville here. The medical clinic where Lachlan works is shown at 3.25 on the video countdown, it's burnt to the ground.

[MissPinkyInSydne...]

My thoughts and prayers are with everybody who is affected by this tragedy.
Can people in NSW donate clothes, etc??

I don't know Lachlan but I cross all my fingers and toes that somebody hears from him soon!!!!!

My thoughts are also with everybody in QLD who is battling the floods.

[StellaBella]

I'm pretty sure that Marysville residents have been evactuated to Alexandra...

Has anyone called the hotline set to track down info on family and friends? (in regards to Lachlan) As the GP of Marysville he's probably be well known and therefore hopefully easier to track down than your average citizen.

I have just requested that the marketing dept here at work organise some fund raising... I suggested that we make our standard casual dress day Friday a voluntary $2 donation and then donate it to the appeal. It's not much but I couldnt think of anything else and feel like I shld do SOMETHING.

[RMC]

I'm pretty sure that Marysville residents have been evactuated to Alexandra...

Has anyone called the hotline set to track down info on family and friends? (in regards to Lachlan) As the GP of Marysville he's probably be well known and therefore hopefully easier to track down than your average citizen.

Yes, my wife did.

[phYx]

It looks like there are several ways to donate to the bushfire appeal - you can do so through the Salvos, Red Cross and maybe some others?

I suggest those in Vic who wish to donate go to Myer and donate through them, and they will match your donation dollar for dollar http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/scripts/nc...c=PC_62630.html

[JustinS007]

I don't know Lachlan but I cross all my fingers and toes that somebody hears from him soon!!!!!

He's a top guy and very good ultra-runner. Most recently did C2K, B2H and then 2 weeks later was 3rd at Mansfield to Buller. He strikes me as the sort of guy that would stick around to help those that suffer from smoke inhalation, minor burns, heat exhaustion and so forth when protecting their homes. Recent bushfire history would suggest that if you plan well you can stay and defend and whilst you can't guarantee that you'll protect your home you should at least be able to survive. Such was the ferocity of this fire however that as we know there was nothing anyone could do to avoid the flames.

Hopefully if Doc Lach was in a position to do so he evacuated prior to the destruction or has found some way to out run the flames. Our thoughts are certainly with him, his family and all the other people that have been affected by this tragedy generally.

J.

[youngrunner]

its worrying that the death toll number may be even double what it currently is. There are still entire towns where emergency services still haven't got any access at all, and worse we hadn't heard any calls from them before the fire went through.

with only a few hours sleep the last few nights a run really hasn't being a priority, however i think tonight i need one just to clear my head.

thoughts to any coolrunners with friends and/or families caught up in the incident, and also thanks to any CR emergency workers doing their part

Jimmy

[TRAVY]

I just can not believe the smoke, and I am in Shepparton .

774 ABC radio is a good form of information . you can steam it . Sorry have not got time for a link.

I think we are up to 126 dead at 4 pm

Stay cool

MAP

This post has been edited by TRAVY: Feb 9 2009, 04:43 PM

[Trick]

You can donate at any major bank as well. Suncorp have a fund set up.

My thoughts are with all concerned.

[vat]

OK - got some news for you on Doc Murdoch. He's in a Melbourne hospital with some burns and other injuries, but they're not life-threatening, which is a big relief.

[milov]

Thanks so much Vat... It is such a relief to hear he is ok

This post has been edited by milov: Feb 9 2009, 05:58 PM

[Horrie]

OK - got some news for you on Doc Murdoch. He's in a Melbourne hospital with some burns and other injuries, but they're not life-threatening, which is a big relief.

vat, are you referring to DocLach or somebody else?

[brettsrun]

vat, are you referring to DocLach or somebody else?

I believe DocLach is sometimes referred to As Doc Murdoch ( from Media Moggle - Lachlan Murdoch )
If thats the case, this news is a relief.

[vat]

No. just brain addled from taking a phone call and then postingright after a hard mag trainer session. I was referring to Lachlan Fraser, the Marysville GP mentioned earlier in the thread. Apologies.

[Spud]

That's a relief, here's to a speedy recovery Lachlan.
Thanks Vat.

[JustinS007]

That's a relief, here's to a speedy recovery Lachlan.

Phew. That's a relief. Did he run himself there?

J.