This is how our town centre now looks, covered in smoke with the smell of burnt wood hanging in the air.
The bushfires that started last Friday are predicted to get worse this weekend. I have a friend who lives in one of the towns under threat. She is terribly worried for her parents and family.
Some residents have activated their fire plans with most mothers and wives leaving their houses while their husbands and fathers are staying in their homes to defend their property.
At a community briefing Steve and I attended on Wednesday, we were told that it's safer to stay and defend the house because sometimes people attempt to leave and either get caught in the fires or their visibility (affected by the smoke) causes them to crash into trees. The fire officer said more deaths were results of people leaving their property too late. Apparently, the fire front sweeps the house in about 10 minutes and you've gotta step out of the house and stay extinguishing any embers. Of course, the house has to be prepared before the fire front arrives by removing any flammable material and keeping loads of water around and inside the house handy, including wet cloths.
Things and people in town seem changed too. It's as daily life has been muted and everyone is more solemn, knowing some residents amongst us are facing the worst bushfires they have ever seen.
I can't believe it's close to our doorstep. It looks like everything is happening in another world.
2 comments:
Hey Vic, the fire situation sounds really bad. Will be praying for you and the people whom you've grown to care for in your neighbourhood.
When are you due back in Singapore? Let's catch up ya? Could be a mass gathering of new/old NAC folks if you're strapped for time... :)
- Angela
Hey Angela, thanks for your prayers! The fires are unfortunately still raging! =O(
And yes!!! I'll love to meet up! Please email me at victorialeebrown@gmail.com and we can arrange date and times! Yippeee!
God bless!
xxx Vic
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