Bushfire messages of support on Answers
All of Australia has been horrified by the events going on in Victoria over the last few days. There are almost two hundred dead, hundreds of houses destroyed and thousands of acres of bushland burnt to a crisp.
The community on Answers have been actively discussing this tragedy, with questions ranging from how to prevent bushfires to how to help the victims and what should be done to the arsonists who lit these deadly blazes.
In fact, many of our own in the Answers community were caught up in the thick of it and have harrowing stories to tell. When Liz R asked for more information about how people get caught in these sorts of fires, Jarryd P had his own experience to relate:
My sister lost her whole house and my family lost 2 family friends in this fire.. I was stuck in Healsville from 6pm Saturday Night.. the C.F.A left Healsville on its own becuase the fire was just moving to fast and strong.
The house on Blackwoods road, the fire was heading in the opposite direction then within 5 mins it was heading for us there was no way anyone could get out no matter how well you prepared. More
Cassy M’s family was one of the lucky ones. Steven T asked what would you take in a bushfire and she answered from the experience of her family members:
My brother and sister-in-law and their baby up in Kinglake grabbed their photos got out of there as fast as they could. Told neighbour to do the same thing. Neighbour said the cool change will come and it would be ok. They drove though flames to get out of there so I would hate to think of what happened to the neighbour cause all the houses burned down, they said they haven’t heard from the neighbour. Doesn’t look good. More
For most of us who are lucky enough to have our loved ones and our homes, it’s about how much support we can give. One heartening thing is to see how many people out there have helped by giving money, donating blood and sending clothes, food and blankets.
The Answers Team asked for messages of support for the firefighters and messages of hope for the victims of the Victorian Bushfires and the response was overwhelming.
To the firefighters, Rebstar says:
My man has been fighting fires near Dederang in North East Victoria. I was extremely worried about him and many of our other friends. Thankfully they all returned home safely this morning.
All firefighters are truly heroes. Thank-you all for the big efforts you have put in and for giving up your time to help other out.
Keep safe out there and look after each other.
Whitetiger had a similarly emotional message for the victims:
I cried listening to the accounts of those who have lost loved ones. The pictures of devastation and grief are heartbreaking. Even though the fires have not effected my family or I, they have touched me profoundly – I am sure there is not an Australian in the country who is not feeling this right now – our thoughts are with you.
Pass on your support:
Donate to the Bush Fire Appeal Now!
What messages of hope would you like to send to the victims of the Victorian bushfires?
Caitlin
Community Manager
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It is a devastating situation that may have been lessened by not having the reliance on non-renewable power such as gas that exploded and added to the impact. All houses that are to be rebuilt should be fitted with renewable energy sources to minimise impact for future fires…and with climate change projections showing more extreme heating of southern states, this cannot be ignored!
I also think that the many owners of holiday apartments and houses in NOrth Queensland and other areas of beauty, could offer their premises to be used to temporarily house victims and give them somewhere beautiful and green to recoup, considering these many dwellings are empty until April. This would be a rather humane gesture I think. It is impossible to feel what the victims feel, but seeing the photos of the deceased was nauseating…so many entire families and so young! May white light be with you all and may common sense prevail with rebuilding…don’t blame the Greenies, the blame is on all of us for allowing the warming of the planet through ignorance.
So many innocents lost…I am speechless for words… The anger within me builds up each time, I think of the bloody good for nothing arsonist who was responsible for these devastating fires which not only cost many innocent lives but also the thousands of animals that perished. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
All those who are fighting the fires in Victoria are my HEROES. Without them, many more would have lost their lives. YOU who are battling these devastating fires are AUSTRALIAN HEROES. I cannot imagine what your are all going through. I just want you all to know that EVERYONE in Australia is supporting you and thinking of you. Take the love of all Aussies with you when you go home. I wish you all my love and thoughts.
What’s shocked me is the numbers dead. Australians handle fire like Kiwis handle earthquakes, they know what they’re doing! Rarely do you hear of even single deaths. We’ve all lived with bushfire at some time or another – I just can’t imagine the ferocity of this one. I’m afraid I can’t watch any more television footage, I’m just getting depressed – but to all of you involved in whatever way, my thoughts are consumed with your grief, my heart is torn for you.
Is there anyone left in this country who doubts that global warming is affecting our weather? Floods in the north; fire in the south; the rest of the place as dry as a bone!
Words Don’t Seem Like Enough To Convey My Support And Hope For All Those Who Have Suffered Loss In The Bush Fires Be It Material Posessions Or Family. I Have Donated Through The Salvos And Would Urge Everyone Who Can To Do The Same. As For The Brave Hero’s Of The Fire Service, SES And All Those Putting Their Lives On The Line Every Day God Bless You Every One And May This Nightmare Soon End Amen. I Wish I Was In Australia Right Now And Could Find Some Way To Help Physically On The Ground! My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You All. Paul Ruddock Adherant Salvation Army UK.
All the best with the future and moving forward. We will never forget this tragedy and those that have given their lives to it.
our thoughts are with you all , and our hearts go out to all the families who have lost loved ones, i cannot imagine the pain you are all going through it is such a terrible tragedy, i am so proud to be an australian, the fire fighters have been so wonderful ,the red cross the salvation army ,may god be with you god bless we are all thinking of you.
I am in QLD and I just can’t stop crying. The loss of so many of our Aussie brothers and sisters is almost too much to bare. My heart is filled to the brim with pain when I look into the eyes of all the people on the news, they all have the same look of horror like they have walked out of the bowels of hell and nothing can erase it. I will pray for every one that is left and for those who are gone. Together we stand, together we fall. I hope that they all can some how get through this and rebuild the life they had. Bless you all.
I found out that my ex lost his cousins in that fire and i hope that the arsonist is caught and locked up.. Mr rudd said they are mass muderers and i agree.
dear victims,
I am sorry to hear about all the people .Be strong and try to smile .Know that thoughts of you are with us and that you are in our hearts.we share your sorrow and we have sent some school suplies and i hope its all over soon
love chantelle from pialba s.s.
hey victorians its devostating to see and hear what has happened and tradgic to see how it effects you all down there i hope that you all rebuild as much as you can and get your lives back on track keep smiling and look at every thing you can in a possitive way god bless you all and im thinking of you’s always
from luke king hervey bay QLD
I would like to see the introduction of underground homes in some of the more bushy areas. That way the fires go straight over. Fires will again return, it is apart of our environment and we should have homes built for this land.
Also the property owners need to have the right to hazard reduce around their homes. I believe a fire storm works along the lie of the land although it may not be possible to stop it, humans may be able to direct it. I feel we need more bush fire research money and inventors out there, invent a dirt cannon to fire at gass balls. The only way to slow the fire balls. Not just water.
When a fire is burning in a fire storm the houses that have been left are still standing sometimes because at the time of their threat the surrounding home fires have already eaten up the available oxygen. It doesn’t burn, because it has been starved of oxygen. Those houses have usually got a rear to fire window open so it doesn’t implode and normally doesn’t have combustable material around it. This is a consideration for house placement and town planning. Please consider townplanners. Thanks.
PREPARATION FOR FIRE THREAT. IF YOU HAVE A CAR.
OK I am not an expert but have been through a very severe fire, classed as fire storm. Here are things you can do if you are stuck in a fire and can’t get out and the fire is approaching. Use your own judgement, only you can know your situation, but stay calm and things will go better. Remember it can come quicker than you think, but stay calm and know that your adrenalin will carry you through if you uterlise it with a plan. Make a plan and stick with it. This is a grim situation, and I am sorry if any of this may scare you but it may help you survive.Thats my aim. Good luck and may God Bless you.
First do not go out of voice range of everyone in the house. At all times know where the other members are. Use constant voice prompting to keep check on what others are doing and where they are.
Find car keys, put car on the opposite side of the house near an exit door and as close to the car as possible. Find the keys, put them in the car ignition. Leave the near to house door open window up on the far side. No doors are to be locked. Put at least two buckets of water in the car sitting up. blackets to cover people is need be. Get some garbage bags with no hole in them and put them on each seat of the car. To be used to collect air prior to smoke for breathing.
Fill bath tub and put woollen blankets in bath and wet. Go to each window and jamb the blanket over the whole of the window and over each door in the house. Leave the rear window open for internal air pressure release.
Wear cotton and woolen clothing and totally wet your cloths, this way you will be Where boots or leather shoes if possible, sneakers may melt. Make sure that these shoes you can run in.
Outside prior to fire coming drag away combustable things that are not too heavy away from the the house. Dump water on log piles and combustable stuff near house. If you can put rags in downpipes and fill guttering with water. Only do this if you think you have enough time, be careful not to fall.
Get one family member to put a rope from your viewing window through the house to the back exit door. That way if you can’t see your way out u can feel your way out. Make sure that everyone is holding onto the rope, so that they can get out when the fire is on the house. Get another water container and put it halfway along the rope and tie a knot above it in the rope. To mark it. Place a torch nearby if you have one.
Rake away leaf mulch away from larger trees outside and wet down the trunks of the nearest trees. Throw over any gass bottles attached to the house a wet blanket and push the cylinder around, if you can, so that the release valve doesn’t face the house.
If you have time, tie the leash of your pet to the rope and jump back fully clothed in the bath tub and rewet yourself.
Put a first air kit wrapped up in foil in the front of the car. Put an small axe or saw and hammer in the glove box. Also take a torch.
Put aluminium foil over the back side windows, to reduce heat radiation.
Less mobile family members are to remain furthest from the fire within the house and closest to the car.
Keep filling the bath tub up and wet blankets or cotton curtains even and wrap them around the most immobile person, get them into the near passenger seat first and then everyone else wrapped in wet bankets jump into the car and drive to the spot metioned below. All windows up and everyone to take a breath in prior to fire possibly hitting the care. All except the driver to have their heads covered with wet towells.
Driver please drive slow is you can, less chance of hitting something, once in a clear area, stop the car. Keep watching the fire direction. If u can straight away pull the plastic bags out and open them up and try to catch the internal clean air in the car. Hold it to your mouth and breath into them, up untill there is no more air and then you will have to breath through the wet towel to not be overcome with smoke. With bucket so water wash over head and eyes and huddle with wet heads together. keep watching fire direction. Wind can turn. Watch for any fire inside vehicle and throw bucket of water over it or smother with wet towels.
Give directions to all members of the family to retreat to the car at the last moment prior to the house roof about to fall in. If this happens, watch what area is burnt first and drive into that area as house burns. Go to the nearest clearing or Even if it is still on fire, it will have the least intensity of heat, because it has already had most of the fuel burnt within that section. Go to the place of least intense fire burning.
IF YOU HAVE NO VEHICLE ESCAPE AVAILABLE
If you have no car, then I guess it will have to be the same as above, however, your own judgement will be to travel to the spot where your will be at least risk, if you have to leave the house, leave at the last moment at the spot away from the fire. Prior to the fire comming make a physical path to a lesser fuel area, i.e. put a line of rocks or bricks, so during the evecution you can roll on the ground in the smoke and find your way in the right direction by feel. Try to make a cleared area at least 20 ft clear of all grass or flamable stuff and dig a ditch in the middle of it. Flood it with water and keep the back hose running while the fire is on to this spot, if it reaches. The heat and smoke will be intense. Have yourself wrapped up in as many wet towels and blankets as you can. And remember if you catch on fire keep rolling, to roll out the flames and stay going in the same direction. Go till you find a clearer area and go into the ditch that you dug yourself in the clearing. Lie in it and cover yourself with a wet towel or blankets. It is best to keep rolling in the ditch to keep putting out embers which may strike. Cover yourself with as much wet dirt as possible. And have the hose pouring over you.
IF YOU HAVE NO WATER.
Well, the other alternatives are clearing the area of combustable material, this takes time you may not have and then there is smothering it with wet blankets and then it may be too huge and hot a flame. So although it is up to your own judgement, if the fire is already within 50 meters of hitting your home, well the best way of fighting fire is with fire. The fire brigades use a back burn to cut the fires intensity and direction. Please call the fire brigades and let them know whether they agree with you and get permission.
If caught in bushland, get as low as possible and dig a deep ditch if you can, or a gully ,get down below big rocks. You can not out run a fire,and breath out as the fire hits over you. If you catch a lite roll in the one spot back and forth to smother the flame and dig up sand throwing it on your self with your hands.
Sorry it may sound grim, but better to know something and something above may just help you survive.
As i sit here in Canada i feel 10 million miles away and yet in my heart i feel so close to my fellow Aussies in this tragic time
may god bless you and keep you in his love, may you have the strength to let your aussie spirit shine threw even though your heart is breaking and may you feel the love and support flowing in from all over the world
and i hope those rotten sod’s that lit the fires are caught and may they see the fires’s of hell
I’d just want to remind people of all the unsung heroes in this tragedy – from many different walks of life.
Some survived some didn’t.
This is more than just the valiant volunteer fire-folk. Those who nurse the burnt animals, the kids who died trying to save horses, those who opened their vehicles to try & save a few more people from the fireball and so many more.
to everyone.
.
I can’t comprehend the depths of suffering. Nor am I usually an emotional person, but this news of rampant, indiscriminate devastation has broken me to the core. Victoria, the nation weeps for you. I feel as though I’ve suffered great personal loss just from watching the news, but nothing like what you have. I do worry for my friends, who live only 20km or so from the devastated Marysville, and have been warned to evacuate. When will this end?
My thoughts and prayers are with you daily. May you somehow find peace that passes all understanding in the difficult months to come. Be comforted in knowing your Aussie brothers and sisters support you 100%. *hugs*
i Sympathyze with all of those u suffred from that fire and ifeel sorry about them its hard to ose every thing its ahorrible thing dont surrender to the pain keep walking i tottally support u and god bless u for your patients and god forgive those who passed away
Every bushfire is devastating, the loss of vegetation and wildlife and occasionally the loss of property. But this is just horrific beyond words to have lost so many properties – whole towns laid to ruins and the loss of so many lives.
It would be awful to lose you house but to lose the local community, shops, streets, pets, neighbours, friends and family would be absolutely heartbreaking. I can only watch the scenes on the news in horror and hope the fires don’t claim any more lives.
My heart goes out to those that have lost homes but also neighbours, friends and family. In particular those that lost children, the innocent lives that were lost before they barely begun.
Hopefully they can start to rebuild their lives soon and find comfort from their loss.
the person or persons found guilty of starting these fires that have caused so much death and destruction should be charged with terrorism, as this is a vile attack on the australian way of life, that can only be described as a act of terror, punishable by the death penalty and i do not care what the politcally correct have to say.
global warming should really be called global extremes. It is flooding, freezing, and fire ballls at the same time across the world. Its mass extinction and we are the dinosaurs. however the human face of the disaster is frightening because it could be any one of us. anyone who lights an illegal fire in the future should be charged with attempted murder bottom line. My children and I can only give money but our hearts are with you all. risk mitigation, compulsory bunkers in the planning stage and compulsory training for unemployed and volunteers should be part of any stimulus package.
Our thoughts & prayers are will you all We cannot begin to comprehend the extent of your loss but know this our fellow Aussies, the Sun will shine again 1 day & always remember the entire Country is with you 100% Love & Blessings to all
I am donating my first amount of blood on mon/tues
my heart goes out to all the vicims and the firefighters(look out for your mates).
I think the looters should be taken out back and shot
My heart and prayers goes out to these people, we donated $200 to the appeal and we hope that it goes to a good cause for these people. Heres hoping there is a light at the end of the tunnel and these people can rebuild what they have left of their lives.
So upsetting to hear people and some of these children lose their lives makes me appreciate my family more.
These are only words as we watch helplessly as these people suffer, but at least they know that we as a country are helping out in some way.
God Bless and hope there is some good out of all this bad.
To the victims of the Victorian bushfires
On behalf of “Berbero Saharan Handicrafts” and the Algerian Berber community living in Australia, with tears, we present you our deepest sympathy and we ask you to have courage and energy to go through the tragedy especially if you lost someone in the family. May god give you power and will to stand up on your feet again to keep going with your lives as all Australia is with you.
“Berbero Saharan Handicrafts” has already donated funds to the Red Cross and hopefully will reach the needees in time.
Best Regards
Hacene Baleh
Director or Berbero Saharan Handicrafts
http://www.berberosaharan.com