Just been watching the news and thinking of our Australian members .
I hope no one on here or none of their friends or relations have been affected by the devistation caused and I hope the firefighters that have been hurt make a speedy recovery .
Bob Tidbury
This map might help people understand the scale of this year's fires. Sydney is now almost encircled by the firegrounds.
http://google.org/crisismap/australia (http://google.org/crisismap/australia)
The information displayed differs from state to state, as it is provided by each fire authority. The NSW map is most alarming as it shows the area that has been burnt out already.
Heatwave running through SA and Victoria today and NSW tomorrow.
This was the view from the front door of Chez Bealman yesterday morning.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-191219230848-852401003.jpeg)
Temperature peaked at 43 degrees. Fires at Bargo half an hour away claimed homes and two firefighters are induced comas for burns.
This is a terrible situation. Best wishes to all concerned.
Steve
A burning tree fell on a fire truck, killing two volunteer firefighters at the location not far from us.
Tragic, they both had young children.
47deg here yesterday, it was hard to breath with all the smoke coming down from the country. Fortunately Melbourne got the cool change just after 10pm and we are lucky to have a clear day now, only 24deg.
Our thoughts are with all those being affected.
Tragedy follows tragedy. Need to put the fires out, and I doubt it can be done from the ground. Every aerial appliance around the world that is available should be obtained and deployed against these fires - and they are across the continent - a huge area. We need to move on from the "let it burn until we can control it" and do more against this crisis, instead of the "Crisis? What crisis"! Sorry, but I'm both saddened and very, very angry that it has developed into this. I hope there is no further loss of professional or volunteer firefighters, or public lives (or flora and fauna) and I acknowledge the tremendous and selfless efforts the firefighters are giving.
Mark, North West Sydney, near the bush, but not in the bush.
Volunteer firefighters = Extraordinary heroes. :heart:
About a week ago, our prime minister Scott Morrison went on holiday in Hawaii with his family while Australia burned and the volunteer firefighters risked their lives. The outcry that erupted has humiliated him into returning a couple of days early. In honour of ScoMos holiday, a shirt manufacturer in Melbourne has come out with a special flame coloured Hawaiian shirt with ScoMos face inside hibiscus flowers printed all over it. Proceeds are going to the firefighters. I ordered one as soon as I heard about it.
Canberra has escaped the fires so far this time. We had 500 houses burn down in an afternoon in 2003. But, for the past week we've been covered by a smoky haze from a fire not very far away which has caused cricket matches to be cancelled and health warnings to be issued. What's happening in Australia right now truly is horrific. Worsening bushfires is one of the changes predicted by scientists to be a consequence of global warming.
Webbo
According to the Beeb, there's "not much left" of Balmoral. By my reckoning, that's only about 20 km as the crow flys from George, hope he and his are ok.
Yes, the place is pretty much gutted. Not good.
Thanks also for the concern, however there is a steep escarpment between Balmoral and us, so we have not been in danger here, although the smoke has been very thick. :thumbsup:
It should be relatively safe until the next run of hot days - due next weekend. The firefighters are preparing by back-burning to create fire breaks. The problem has been that embers from fires can be carried by the wind to start new fires. I think the figure this morning was that there are around 200 fires burning in Australia. Most are out of control, but almost non are threatening property today. We are all wondering what it will be like when we get to the hot part of summer - January and February!
Yet another smokey night at Chez Bealman
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-231219114547-853592419.jpeg)
Here's the view from across the valley from atop the hill right behind us. The smoke has been with us every day for the past 10 days and will be for at least the next week. Makes for some interesting lighting conditions even in the middle of the day and especially at sunrise and sunset. The worst part for me is that the smoke signals that the flora, fauna, and people's houses are burning not very far away.
webbo
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/4229-231219233104.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=85377)
Yeah, our view this Christmas Eve morning is very similar. I'm told there is a fire on top of the escarpment.
Showers forecast for Wollongong, but so far ziltch.
The fires continue. There's just no rain on the horizon, and water restrictions mean that the lawns have carked it, and Mrs Bealman has lost several expensive plants.
Still, many others have lost much more.
Bealman's street the other evening:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-301219225926-85574257.jpeg)
Absolutely devastating George.
We have family in NSW and SA and its tense times for everyone at the moment.
9000000acres of land destroyed by fire :'(
We have 300 of our 600 flooded, that's devastating for us but that scale is truly unbelievable.
Please god give these poor souls some rain and let the wind drop!!!!
Thanks, Craig. :thumbsup:
The local paper informs me this morning that Wollongong council have cancelled the New Years Eve fireworks.
Can't believe the idiots made a correct decision for once!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-301219232245-85601505.jpeg)
1pm New Years Eve lunchtime, 45 degrees at Chez Bealman.
I've lived in this town since 1974 but have never seen it as bad as this.
Cool change expected later today.
George, our idiots in charge have cancelled the fireworks in Canberra too.
Not only are they are a fire menace, but to me cancelling them is at least a token recognition of the efforts of Australia's firefighters. Sydney's are going ahead. Too many $$s involved I gather.
Webbo
43.2 degrees C here at North Rocks at 3:30pm....and the fireworks are still going to go ahead in Sydney tonight.
A 28 year old volunteer firefighter was killed yesterday. Married 18 months ago, first child is due in May. Absolutely tragic. Another seriously burned including his airway.
Mark
3 dead this morning on the south coast. Have a look at the ABC news channel those that can. There is talk of having to evacuate residents by sea!
Webbo
Yes, saw all this. As I say, this is definitely the worst I've known since I moved here. Just about every state is on fire.
Not a good start to the new decade.
45 yesterday and 23 here today thank goodness for the change, hopefully it makes it to you in NSW, just seen the news and 4000 standing on the beach at Mallacouta to evade the fires in East Gippsland. looks like a fair number have lost their homes. Then a QLD man tries to make his own fireworks, why??
At the risk of starting forum angst, it's cause some people are plain stupid!
Well it's certainly kept me busy. Spent last weekend with my crew up in the blue mountains on rail asset protection. We saved a lot but also a lot was destroyed sadly. Our hi rail fire appliance is doing another trip this week to allow rail bosses a first hand look at the damage
Sad day again with another three lives lost and others in hospital
thanks @1936ace (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=908) for all your and your compatriots efforts across the country
The more I think about it, the more I think the Sydney fireworks going ahead tonight is obscene. Let's face it, these fireworks are a celebration of fire and represent the indifference of a big city to what is happening in the country.
Webbo
Fantastic work @1936ace (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=908) :claphappy: tragic to of lost so many of your own in this seemingly impossible battle.
Without being political I do find the governments lack of involvement to Australias tragedy somewhat strange!!!!
They should of banned Sydney's fireworks days ago, yes it's bad for the economy and all the other tat they'll spout but losing half of your east coast is hardly going to cost $5 to sort out!!!!
Same with all the droughts up north, cattle stations going without hay for months, government did nothing about that and I think that's a real crime. Other then providing it from elsewhere in the country they couldn't of done alot but I'm quite sure more could of been done.
Hopefully the weather turns and lives can start to be rebuilt.
Happy 2020 Australia :'(
Thanks everyone for the comments. Back in 1994 when I'd only been on the job for 4 years I thought that fire season was bad. We had the January and later October fires that wiped out most of the east of NSW. This is been quiet challenging especially for the volunteer brigade members who have either take annual leave from their job or days off if they have a business themselves. They have been at it for way too long. Then there's the paid fire fighters who in the days off are member also of the local bush fire brigade so it's been a big dig deep effort
Fingers crossed 2020 bring us some rain
I tried to post pics of the rail line fires from Lithgow to Mt Victoria but I can't seem to get them to load up. Maybe the reception is poor as I'm on my way home on the train. Will try again later
:sorrysign: to read of the damage and loss of lives in Australia and I'm full of praise for the firefighters and volunteers doing their best to save lives and property ,I allso wonder how many animals that have been killed by these terrible fires .
In the UK we tend to moan about the heat ,the cold ,the rain and so on but we don't suffer ,Fires as bad as these we don't have monsoons or Sunamis ,we don't have hurricanes or tornados even the floods we get pale into insignificance compared to other countries so can we all stop for a moment at the end of this year and spend just one minute thinking of other people and think just how lucky we are .
Bob Tidbury
Well said, Bob. We have seen the truly appalling pictures on this side of the world and everyone is hoping the fires will die down soon. We moan about the record rainfall this autumn and the floods in a few places have made some families homeless for a while, but nothing compares with what you Aussies are going through.
Keep safe, people.
Chris
All the best wishes to those living or visiting Australia. May your prayers for the right amount of rain be fulfilled (a gentle LONG enduring rain would be better than a devastating short and intense rain, I presume).
Read this morning that currently the area burning is the size of Switzerland... And casualties amongst animals are estimates to be almost 500 millions since september...
Quite a dramatic photo of a chopper and fire behind. Courtesy of the ABC.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/6709-010120013944.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=85655)
This hit home today. Brother in law was evacuated from Narooma.
However he hasn't lost his sense of humour, unfortunately I can't share it here!
This is certainly the worst I've known. Saturday is sizing up to be another scorcher.
To our global members, don't think about coming to Australia at the moment!
It's not a good place to be.
Lots of clouds at Bealman's local bus stop this evening, but none of it is going to release any water!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-020120081005-85689775.jpeg)
I envy your clear skies, George. We have had no let up from being shrouded in smoke for the last 3 weeks. At the moment, Canberra has the distinction of having the worst air pollution of any capital city in the world. A dubious honour, I'd say.
The places that are getting burnt at the moment on the NSW coast including Mallacoota, Batemans Bay, Malua Bay, Bawley Point and others were my summertime stamping grounds. What is happening is truly awful.
Webbo
sad to still here - prayers are with you all .
but its good to know there as been no begging/scrounging or whatever in the way of TV adds asking for a few pounds/dollars a week , or then could you UP it to maybe 25 a week -- you know the score .
NOW it been other parts of the world there would have been endless efforts to rid you of your cash.
top marks to the Australian's for getting on with saving their country , other parts of the world would just sit back and rely upon overseas aid.
Lunchtime temperature outside of Chez Bealman today, 44.5, humidity only 10%!! :(
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-040120014843-85721138.jpeg)
All I can say is that it is bloody hot
I'm predeoyed up in the blue mountains and our poor old truck is struggling with the temperatures, let alone us in the cab
Good luck, mate. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
hope you get a cool change before long, ours arrive about an hour ago.
Temp just dropped 5 degrees, so hopefully it's coming through now. :thumbsup:
Temp dropped 10 degrees. It's now only 35!
George. Hope brother in law is not affected too much. How s the air quality ?
Brown. Red sun as I type this.
No southerly change for us I'm afraid. Been at or above 42 for the last 4 hours with strong winds from the NW. At least most of the smoke has been blown away for the first time in 3 weeks. I have friends in Talbingo, Tathra, and near Adaminaby all evacuated, but fires haven't reached these place yet as of 6pm. I keep my fingers crossed for them. We've got a fire alert, but no immediate threat.
Webbo
Yes, this is definitely the worst I've ever seen.
My phone forecasts showers for Wollongong the next three days in a row. Hope so, but it's not often right.
Today the temperature has been unbearable, even on the coast as we are. Must be awful over there!
Dunno how they played at the SCG!
Keep safe, buddy.
just saw on the news Penrith recorded the highest temp in the world. thank goodness Scomo has finally got his hands out of his pockets,
Just finished my shift and that explains why the old fire truck struggles as we drive back from the blue mountains
It was bloody hot
You're safe. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Graham on January 04, 2020, 07:39:38 AM
just saw on the news Penrith recorded the highest temp in the world. thank goodness Scomo has finally got his hands out of his pockets,
:laughabovepost: :laughabovepost:
Without hopefully breaking the NGF COC, how the hell did we get saddled with that clown. :(
You don't mean Smoko do you? For the last 8 months our local newspaper cartoonist has been representing this guy as a clown. Have you ordered his Hawaiian shirt George?
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/mr-koya-has-released-the-mahalo-scomo-hawaiian-shirt/news-story/b210516cd754b583fd7cf76c6d5da091 (https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/mr-koya-has-released-the-mahalo-scomo-hawaiian-shirt/news-story/b210516cd754b583fd7cf76c6d5da091)
Webbo
No, I haven't, but this is totally screwed.
I'll leave it there before Tank comes down on us. ;)
At least you guys are safe and well so far, cannot imagine the hell folks are going through out there. Saw a piece on the news this morning about an ex British Army chap who lives out there now and is a volunteer firefighter, he and his crew were driving 160km to Canberra to fight fires. Top blokes :thumbsup:
Cannot believe your government has not appealed to the international community for assistance, there must be a ton of firefighting aircraft out there which could be used to help the situation.
Stay safe guys and keep us regularly updated so we know you are all good :thumbsup:
Thanks, Lawrence. :thumbsup:
I think we could do with some outside help at this time.
Big planes dropping water would certainly help
At the risk of starting a few arguments ,I find it amazing how if there is a war then all countries join in . but why on Earth hasn't there been any response from other countries to help Australia by sending planes and troops to fight these fires .I realise it's a long way but there are huge planes that fight fires in Canada and even America , can't they go and help or is it too far for them to fly .
Bob Tidbury
It's politics, Bob.
So we'll leave it there, hoping for rain tomorrow. :thumbsup:
Usually the kiwis send firefighters and some come from California and Canada. I don't know if any are still here.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/406177/australia-bushfires-volunteers-skip-christmas-festivities-to-fight-blazes-across-nsw (https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/406177/australia-bushfires-volunteers-skip-christmas-festivities-to-fight-blazes-across-nsw)
But the fires have been burning since August and everyone is just tired. My wife weeps a lot at news reports of damage and death of homes, people, livestock and wild animals.
There are a lot of media people and politicians who should be tried and executed. :veryangry:
BBC news this morning reported your temperatures are currently twice the expected norm for this time of year down there. It must be nightmarish for all involved. To answer @Bob Tidbury (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3442) I guess other countries will only get involved by invitation as they can't just rock up and say 'Here we are'.
As folks on the spot have said (and I don't want to get political knowing nothing of the situation) the lack of/poor response from the government comes across poorly internationally.
Absolutely shocking attitude to their own people. That clearly useless clown was rightly heckled for his pi :censored: poor response. 4months of continued burning and destruction.
Best thing would be tying him to the stake at the next town threatened by the fire.
That's probably as political as I'm allowed but seriously 3000 reserve troops is not nearly enough of a response to the situation.
Canada have a few planes capable of helping out as do a few other countries so instead of trying to front it out admit its beyond your control and ask the world to help out
How to help those affected by the Australia bush fires (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/how-to-help-those-affected-by-the-australia-bush-fires/ar-BBYBTpj?ocid=spartanntp)
3000 troops to be sent to the fray.
I hope this doesn't backfire with so many untrained and unskilled persons trying to battle the fires. :worried:
Quote from: NinOz on January 05, 2020, 03:15:03 AM
3000 troops to be sent to the fray.
I hope this doesn't backfire with so many untrained and unskilled persons trying to battle the fires. :worried:
Should send all of your politicians in too. I do realise that you are suffering from extremes of weather which have not helped but relying on volunteers and military is a poor show really, spend some cash and hire in international professional firefighting equipment.
We had friends who lived in Baulkham Hills, sadly they are no longer with us (not the fire) but I can just imagine what Merv would have been saying about all of this, not repeatable on a family forum!
Craig's reply above is a good idea, if you get my drift :D
Quote from: NinOz on January 05, 2020, 03:15:03 AM
3000 troops to be sent to the fray.
I hope this doesn't backfire with so many untrained and unskilled persons trying to battle the fires. :worried:
Strangely enough there was a letter in the local paper from a long time property owner who has put out fires on his property many times, and even has his own water truck.
He turned up with his truck volunteering to help, but was knocked back because he wasn't qualified!!!
Temperature dropped big time today in Bealman's town. Plus cool wind. From 45 to 20, so it almost felt like winter!
Plus, we had rain!
However, I'm just describing conditions at Chez Bealman.
Things are quite different elsewhere.
It's really trying to rain at Bealman's bus stop but not quite making it
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-060120075143-85803158.jpeg)
Platform is wet as our Xpt arrived at Wyong in the central coast
Talking to my Son yesterday, who lives in NW Sydney, Castle Hill, he says the smoke seems to have eased/stopped since Xmas, as if the worst of the fires are now on the SW coastal belt. Having a Sydney and inter-state food distribution Co he gets a good overall view of the situation.
When we were last in Aus, Dec/Jan 17/18 it was up to 40 before Xmas and 47 after, so this situation has sadly been on the cards for a while. But politicians........
I have always said you survive in spite of them, rather than because of them.....
Izzy
This time of year is traditionally very hot here.
A very unfortunate set of events have occurred which have resulted in this horrible situation.
It'll work out. :thumbsup:
I cannot even imagine how devastating this if for all of those involved and their family and friends. I sincerely hope things improve for you folks.
Mark
Countries like France, Spain and Portugal must surely have Canadairs available sitting around doing nothing until next summer ?
I expect lots of help will suddenly turn up once the worst is over .
As I said when I started this thread `I hope none of our members or their families have been affected by this and at least material things can be replaced ,BUT it's all the wildlife that will take years to build up that's the worrying thing .
There are some horendous figures that have been announced on the news lately
I really think this has been a real disaster.
Bob Tidbury
Most of my mums family are in SA but three serving with the RAAF are currently based in and around NSW, none have been directly affected by the fires.
In 1983 Mount Lofty burnt in the Ash Wednesday fire. We went out in 96 and it was still a derelict fire burnt mess. Some of the luxurious homes have since been rebuilt but many were left destroyed.
1billion animals is the current estimate as to wildlife impact but damn sure it will be more.
A tragic waste that's for sure!!!!
Quote from: joe cassidy on January 06, 2020, 12:03:03 PM
Countries like France, Spain and Portugal must surely have Canadairs available sitting around doing nothing until next summer ?
The problem is that's a *lot* of miles to put on them just to get them to Australia and back, let alone the milage they'd have to do there. I know Spain's pretty much a fire risk from early Spring, so this is probably the only real time they get to properly overhaul them before the next fire season.
Funds to convert heavy lift helicopters and skilled crews for them may be more practical.
Welcome bit of rain at Bealman's bus stop tonight.
However, fire engine just shot past with lights and sirens going. Not sure what that means!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/255-090120091926-85887447.jpeg)
Quote from: Bealman on January 09, 2020, 09:23:38 AM
However, fire engine just shot past with lights and sirens going. Not sure what that means!
...a siren used to mean they were late for afternoon or morning tea (as a joke), but in these days we are experiencing, it's important we don't joke about it.
It's been great to have some respite from the temperature for the past few days (Saturday was the hottest day I have experienced in my life), but tomorrow is another bad day for the fires on the east coast with hot temps and strong winds.
Mark
How to help those affected by the Australia bush fires (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/how-to-help-those-affected-by-the-australia-bush-fires/ar-BBYBTpj?ocid=spartanntp)
Here is how Warnie is helping out.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/warne-s-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-more-than-1-million-20200110-p53qay.html (https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/warne-s-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-more-than-1-million-20200110-p53qay.html)
Well Bowled Warnie!
Mark
bad smoke haze for the last few days, now we are getting a decent downpour, 4mm in the last 30mins. Hopefully this makes it to firegrounds and helps put them out. Just heard the 2 big ones from VIC and NSW have merged, not looking good unless this rain gets there.
Woke up at 6am this morning to a very welcome sound: rain on the roof! More to come today and tomorrow, we're told. :thumbsup:
Raining big time now at the bowlo!
(Sorry about the motherships hovering overhead)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/255-160120063530-861512110.jpeg)
You're very lucky George
Big promises for rain today for us, but not very much. Our trees and shrubs are dying from lack of water.
Webbo
Mate, it's got to come. Cross fingers! :thumbsup:
Quote from: Webbo on January 16, 2020, 07:09:56 AM
Our trees and shrubs are dying from lack of water.
My chainsaw is going to be very busy and subsequent days of burning once the fire danger drops to low with low wind speed. Lots of dead stuff in garden and side paddock. :(
With fire bans no use of chainsaws, grinders and brush cutters were allowed.
Got two large dead gum trees, dropping large branches, near to the house which are going to require professionals to cut safely. ($$$)
Rained last couple of days. :)
A busted water pipe due to earth movement, leaking for a while before noticed and found. Going to cost a fair amount in water charges not considering the cost of the plumber and earth mover needed to repair. :(
Things pretty much back to normal at Chez Bealman today.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/255-210120042434-864541294.jpeg)
A lovely day out my way too. A round of golf in the AM before the mercury touched 33C. Expecting 41C on Thursday.
Mark
Not so good for us here in Canberra yesterday though a beautiful clear and warm day here today. Storm with hail stones as big as golf balls has dented cars, broken windows on houses and cars, defoliated trees. Huge amount of damage.
In the first picture some of those hail stones are as big as golf balls.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/4229-210120053958.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=86456)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/4229-210120054129.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=86457)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/4229-210120054246.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=86458)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/4229-210120054351.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=86459)
Yeah, saw that on the news!
Hope your vehicle was safely stabled?
This is indeed a country of extremes.
And I complain about my soggy garden! Okay, we have been known to have the occasional 'bush' fire in summer and we get a lot of rain which does lead to flooding sometimes, but it is nothing compared to the weather in some parts of the world. I hope you are all reasonably well 'down under' and have not suffered too much. :beers:
Chez Bealman 4pm this afternoon..... 43 degrees, smoke back worse than ever!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/255-230120063920-864952255.jpeg)
Turns out it's not smoke. It's dust from the big dust storm which hit Dubbo a couple of days ago!
That white car of mine will be brown tomorrow!
However, even though the sky is dark and red, nothing stops the bowling tragics!! ;D
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/255-230120084327-864992036.jpeg)
I see the playing liveries have changed over time...
But seriously, another tragedy has occurred. A water bomber aircraft has been lost while firefighting with 3 US crew on board.
Yes, awful. Americans who came here to help. RIP.
Just heard the news on Canberra, stay safe @Webbo (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=4229)
Same from me.
Apparently we have another heatwave on the way from Western Australia. I know it's warming up here this morning here in Wollongong.
Thanks guys
So far the fire is still some kilometers from the southern end of Canberra and no immediate threat, but things can change very rapidly if the wind picks up. On the morning of 18 January 2003, there were fires 20 km to the west of Canberra. By 5 pm that day, 500 houses along the western side of the city had been destroyed. We have three more days of bad fires days predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology so we're all keeping our fingers crossed.
The Orroral Valley which is being burnt at the moment is a beautiful part of Namadgi National Park. The fire map seems to show that the site of the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station is right in the middle of it. This is where the dish that collected the first images of Armstrong walking on the Moon was located.
Webbo
Let's hope that's OK!
Let's hope everywhere's OK actually.
Quote from: Webbo on January 28, 2020, 11:45:28 PM
The Orroral Valley which is being burnt at the moment is a beautiful part of Namadgi National Park. The fire map seems to show that the site of the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station is right in the middle of it. This is where the dish that collected the first images of Armstrong walking on the Moon was located.
Webbo
I haven't been that far south, but I spent a number of days walking back from Mt Corree and around Tidbinbilla before returning to Tharwa on my Outward Bound course back in '77. A lot of it was rugged and inaccessible.
I hope the fires are extinguished soon.
Mark
We have a dirty great smoke cloud overhead at the moment that is turning the sun red. The good news is that winds have been unusually light today so they've managed to get control of the fire for the time being at least.
Webbo
That's good. We had a red sun here several times.
Didn't know which was worse.... the smoke or the Dubbo dust!
Not sure either. The reminder that someone'e soil is getting blown away or that the countryside is getting burnt. The former is not so bad as the latter I think. We've had both too.
Webbo
Just on TV that fires are getting close to Canberra. Weather forecast for today is bloody hot. You OK over there, Ian?
Good so far thanks George.
Fires are expected to engulf Tharwa (ACT) as well as Michelago (NSW) and reach the southern suburbs of Canberra, but it does seem to be spreading mainly towards the souheast so we should be fine at least for today. In the first map showing predicted fire spread for today, we live between Weston Creek and Woden Valley. The second map of southeastern NSW shows that the areas burnt out along the coast really are extensive and are still burning. We hope for rain and keep our fingers crossed.
Webbo
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/4229-010220005953.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=86933)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/86/4229-010220010057.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=86935)
That looks pretty damn close to me, buddy!
Stay safe.
Rain is predicted for next week, at least here on the coast.
hopefully the rain we are having at the moment makes its way through to you, it started here late last night.
stay safe Ian.
With the news in the UK dominated (saturated?) by our leaving Europe, you would get the impression here that the fires were practically out judging by the lack of news coverage.
So sad to know that is far from the case from the posts from you guys.
Thoughts and prayers with you all, and all those suffering this awful catastrophe.
Stat safe one and all.
Thanks, daffy. What a thoughtful post. :thumbsup:
Unfortunately temperatures have in the last 48 hours been extreme again, and the fire danger is most certainly not over.
We've been copping the EU thing here too in Australia, by the way.
Not allowed to talk about here ;)
BBC news this morning had reports of the fire spreading to the peak of one the hills that skirted a residential area of Canberra so hoping all are safe and Sky News reporting the winds have picked up and blowing towards the capital now.
I guess with the coronavirus, Brexit, the Trump impeachment and the never-ending situation in Israel the news shows have a lot to cover right now.
Stay safe guys hopefully some of the rain from the coast or Melboune area (yeah I know it's a long way) will move on these high winds towards you.
Bloody midnight and I'm reading your post, Lawrence, cos it'so bloody hot I can't sleep.
I love Australian summers! ;)
Nice cool change this arvo, and a decent amount of rain. Did Canberra catch it?
Can settle down in comfort tonight. Men's final of the Australian Open on, so no chance of a movie. Mrs Bealman will be ensconced in it. ;)
Friday afternoon and it's pouring down in Sydney. Hope some of it is hitting the fire grounds.
Rain predicted for the next 3 days. You ripper!
Mark
Yep, been coming down all day here. :thumbsup:
The view driving up Bealman's street this morning. Normally this would not be good, but not so after our recent drought!
The great thing is that it's the same pretty much statewide, so the fires are getting a good dousing.
I pulled over to take the piccy, by the way ;)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/87/255-090220021012-872721149.jpeg)
Hi George,
Good news. Hope that flooding wont be an issue now although I'm sure your lot allocate for that sort of thing unlike ours. Storm Ciara is starting to hit us as I write. Probably very minor to everyone else in the World but am sure there will be chaos here as usual.
Glad your OK and hope you can all get back to normal if that's possible in some cases. All been very sad. Take care.
Cheers weave :beers:
Wots that song? I've seen fire and I've seen rain....
Been raining solidly all day, which is great, but of course now we've got flooding in many locations.
Here's the creek outside Chez Bealman. Notice that the watercourse itself is completely blocked by bullrushes, so the water has taken alternative routes around.
Bloody council spends hundreds of thousands on palm trees tied to lamp posts in the mall in the name of art, but can't keep the watercourses clear. :veryangry:
Mr and Mrs Bealman moved into this house in 1981, and that creek has been cleared all of twice in that time. :veryangry:
The lines on the picture are the bathroom flyscreen, by the way. :thumbsup:
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Hi again,
So your councils ARE as crap as ours. If it makes you feel better, so far, our fence is down and the shed door blew off (although that was my fault as I forgot to shut it properly yesterday :doh:. Don't tell the wife :no:).
Again, take care.
Cheers weave :beers:
Quote from: Bealman on February 09, 2020, 08:27:01 AM
The lines on the picture are the bathroom flyscreen, by the way. :thumbsup:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/87/255-090220081420-87277650.jpeg)
I've just reported you to the RSPCF. Let the poor buggers out, George! :telloff:
:laughabovepost:
What's got four legs and flies?
A dead horse, or two pairs of trousers :D
You are Dannyboy in disguise and I claim my £5 :)
Some great news today, after a period of very good rain. All bush fires in NSW are now all "Contained" and some have been extinguished.
that is really good news,
Bealman's bus stop on Wednesday night. Welcome rain!
Couldn't sit down, of course, but welcome just the same :thumbsup:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/87/255-140220031724-87485871.jpeg)
throwing it down here, in middle of a storm, wouldn't like to be at a bus stop in this.
Great news. :thumbsup:
Looks like we won't need to send you any of our British inclement weather, which we would dearly like to export as we await the arrival of Storm Dennis.
Hope all the home-grown rain you're getting won't be excessive.
Thanks. Good luck with Dennis the menace!
Apologies to Beano comic ;)
60mm in the last hour, just a little shower. but at least it is putting the fires out.
We've had a few rain falls over the last week, but nothing like what George and our fellow citizens on the coast are experiencing. The amazing thing to me is how quickly the countryside around here has greened up in less than a week. Brown and dusty less than a week ago, but now the grass is growing. It's a long way from looking like Ireland, but very much welcomed just the same. Need much more rain to get into the tree roots as the trees have been dying.
Smoke free skies for the first time in almost 3 months. Yay!
Webbo
Good to hear. :thumbsup:
The grass at our place is halfway up me moonboot! :beers:
Quote from: Bealman on February 15, 2020, 07:29:35 AM
The grass at our place is halfway up me moonboot! :beers:
And that's on the inside, owing to all the foot mould :sick2:
The Fire Fight Australia concert is going live as I type this.
Big names coming up, Alice Cooper, Olivia Newton John, and of course Queen, with Dr Brian May on lead guitar.
and KD Lang
After the heat of the fires, Aussies let off steam:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-51520715 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-51520715)
The Queen performance did it for me.
However still favourites Farnham and Newton John coming up.