Facing West-South-West - the current wind direction
I don't know if you can see it, but there's a smoke haze, on the horizon. My thoughts are with those in Stanthorpe (Granite Belt) and surrounding areas. After facing their local water supply, drying up recently, they are now being hammered by bushfires. I spent my last few years of High School, in Stanthorpe. My mother also grew up in the area.
She's now living near Warwick, and preparing to leave, should the fires advance in her direction. At the current WSW winds however, it should skip her region. But winds can change, so best to be prepared. She's evacuating here of course, if required. We're about 2 hours away from Stanthorpe, and if the winds stay their present course (as they're predicting the next few days) it will skip our region too.
If you're the praying kind, pray for rain in those areas, being hammered by bushfires.
I'm hoping for the best for you and your Mum. It's only the beginning of spring and already fires are intense. It's mind-boggling. I'm still clearing as much as I can from the bush to minimise fuel loads, but we've had so much rain, the stuff is too wet to burn and it's just mounting up in another spot. Right down the back and away from the house but even so.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hazy up here in town, Chris. I feel for the Stanthorpe residents who have had enough bad news lately about their water supply without having to cope with bushfires as well. I hope you stay safe down there with all that bushland around you. The wind is still a problem but has died down a bit since last night.
ReplyDeleteI have everything crossed for anyone in the path of the fire, hope your mum and your home stays out of the path. We don't have wild fires in our area. Nature can be so cruel.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely sending prayers your way. The closest we've come to brushfires is smokey sky, but I have internet friends in California who've experienced much worse. Always a concern.
ReplyDeletePraying for all those affected by the fires. My brother is living in Warwick, so the fires are a concern should the wind change.
ReplyDeleteStay safe everyone,
xTania
Thanks so much for the well wishes, and support everyone. It's always a risk living near bushland (as we personally do). But I've lived in towns too, which almost came close to being overrun by fires. So it's never an easy prospect to contemplate, fire entering your neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, the warnings have now been downgraded, and it seems fire fighters are winning the battle on containment. So amazing! Thank you all for your well wishes, and prayers. Advice remains in place for residents to continue to watch, and be prepared to enact their bushfire plan, if the situation changes. But it's still a vast improvement on yesterday.
It's been an early start to bushfire season, all around Australia. I will continue to think on those where fires are prevelant, and thank all those in my blogging community, who do so, as well. Much appreciated.
PS: forgot to say, take care out there everyone, too! I'm thinking on you all, as well. :)
ReplyDeleteVery glad the situation has improved in some areas, Chris. Spring has only just begun and it seems that so many places are tinderbox dry and lacking water/rain. My heart goes out to everyone affected and especially to those who have lost their homes and property over past couple of days and those who remain in the path of bushfire.
ReplyDeleteWe have an SES centre just up the road from our place here and it's reassuring knowing that they are there. Meg
It's great to have an emergency service so close to you. We have a few rural firefighters, living on our street. They're real quick onto any signs of fire in the area. Although, we should all be so dilligent. :)
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