It is wonderful to see the generosity and empathy from people on this thread. It pains me to read the ignorant and foolish posts from people who have clearly never been close to danger from the elements.
Victoria has experienced unprecedented temperatures the past two weeks. North of the divide it didn't get below 40C for more than a fortnight - and was mostly around 43C-45C, in some places 47C or more. In Melbourne on Saturday it was 47C with raging winds. We all knew it was a bad day from the start. The CFA had it's trucks out in our town early, prepared for any call-out. The local radio was broadcasting warnings full time, with reports of what was happening.
If you've never been near a raging fire you cannot imagine what it is like. And you'll never understand that nothing can stop a firestorm, just as no-one can predict it's formation or direction.
Please don't criticise or blame this time around. It's like saying nature should not exist. Just do what you can to help those who survived to recover, get through this devastation and rebuild their lives. We are all affected one way or another.
Our town is fortunate that it has not been threatened in the way it was in 2003 and 2006, but our neighbours just up the road are being threatened right now, some have lost their lives and some their homes and properties.
This is when we work together, not sit back from a distance and blame the victims. They are blameless and in many cases the victims have done heroic acts even in their personal tragedy.
I'm appalled by the tone of some of the posts here. There is no excuse for it at all.
The volunteer and paid firefighters, emergency workers and all involved have gone way above and beyond the call of duty and a thank you seems but a paltry token for their magnficent work.
