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February 07, 2009

Australia Bushfire Deathtoll At 14 "Worst Day Ever"

 
South Australia bushfires have killed 14 people so far in what Victoria Premiere John Brumby describes as "Our worst day in history".

Video from Victoria State visually describes the destruction as record temperatures combined with strong dry winds fan flames.

The CFA has issued severe alerts for no less that a dozen towns in the path of approaching fires. Interestingly their warnings advise citizens to patrol their properties for "ember attacks", something you never hear in the States.

This fire assault is reminding Australians of Ash Wednesday, February 13, 1983 when 75 people were killed by wildfires.

Uncomfirmed reports indicate more than one town burned to the ground yesterday.

Follow the news and individual accounts as they appear on Twitter.

UPDATE: Loss of life total now 49. 600 homes destroyed, story here.

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Posted by: retired cap mike: 9:23 AM


Comments:
Mike, today's bbc is reporting 25 dead, possibly up to 40. What a horrible, horrible time for people in these areas.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : February 07, 2009 3:01 PM
 
Kate, can you imagine? Yes horrible.
# posted by Blogger Mike : February 07, 2009 10:58 PM
 
Sunday morning's BBC is reporting 49 confirmed dead, with the count expected to continue rising.

While we occasionally lose both firefighter and civilians, it is rarely of this magnitude. My heart goes out to our Australian friends.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : February 08, 2009 6:31 AM
 
I read in the news
"Fire trucks 'could not get through'"

Why didn't the authorities hire 747 supertankers?

I'm sure they're better than fire trucks or choppers.

http://www.evergreenaviation.com/supertanker/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXSwypIGWGY
# posted by Blogger Danny : February 09, 2009 8:46 AM
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvBRWTumoZI&feature=related
# posted by Blogger Danny : February 09, 2009 9:01 AM
 
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