Tuesday 22 October 2013

PULLING TOGETHER IN AUSTRALIA



For some reason,  I haven't written a post for some time but in light of this week's events,  I feel compelled to write about the most extraordinary people who make up the volunteers of the Rural Fire Services.  Men & women of all ages - and some well into their 70's,  youngsters with parental permission, are all there... shoulder to shoulder fighting to save communities, homes and lives. 

In times of natural disasters,   I have been in awe of the camaraderie, community spirit and total stoicism of the people here in in Australia.   I remember too well the terrible floods in Queensland a couple of years ago when thousands of people turned up with brooms, spades, mops, buckets etc., all to lend a hand to those affected by the horrendous floods, some having travelled from afar. 

There will be no more pressing and dangerous time than tomorrow for those areas in NSW which remain under threat from the fires.  Tomorrow promises to be a widespread "extreme weather" day, which, if overlaid with the existing extreme fire danger across an enormous area,  will prove to be very challenging for all those involved in the fight.  The State of Emergency Management Committee has outlined the following statistics.   With temperatures of mid to high 30's,  humidity less than 10% and hot wind gusts between 40 - 100km an hour,  tomorrow will be "as bad as it can get" according to Fire Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.  All schools in the Blue Mountains will be closed,  and he has urged families in the areas under threat to leave their homes by mid-morning.  "On days like tomorrow,  minutes will matter",  he said.  The conditions tomorrow may also result in new outbreaks.   More than 3000 firefighters will be dispatched with 90 aircraft on standby.

I can only imagine the exhaustion of the firefighters who have been fighting these horrendous fires, day and night, for nearly a week.  

My thoughts and prayers are especially with them tonight as they face what can only be described as an horrific day ahead.

11 comments:

  1. A lovely and fitting tribute to the bravery of these men and women, and to the social solidarity that they express and receive. xx

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  2. I pray it won't be so bad...stay safe Jenny xx

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  3. This is not something we are familiar with in this part of the world (thankfully) but I can only imagine what a difficult time this is and I hope that tomorrow is far better than expected. A lovely tribute to those brave firefighters.

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    1. Thanks miss b... hopefully the worst is now behind us but I feel for the families who have lost everything..

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  4. And that's why some children still would like to be a firefighter one day. Keep safe Jenny x

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    1. Thanks .... A fire crew plus their huge fire truck visited my grand-daughter's day-care the other day... she couldn't stop talking about it!

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  5. My son left a good job in the investment field to become a wildfire fighter in the Western states so I know first hand the dedication, some say it is a calling. Your thanks is all they need to keep going.

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  6. Dear Jenny, Happy New Year! I miss your blog and look forward to seeing the progress with the new house build! Hope all is well. A reader

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    1. Dear Reader... you can't imagine how happy I was to receive this comment... I have been very "off" blogging for various reasons, and for you to say you miss my blog was such a boost!! Thank you so very much and it so happens that I am visiting the building site tomorrow and will definitely do a post in this week. Thanks again and a very happy New Year to you too! xx

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