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This is a snapshot from the Queensland Rural Fire Service website. Over the past few days, I've been observing the fires. We're situated at the red dot. Locations where fires are being reported, are increasing in number, and getting closer. While the wind directions at present, aren't cause for concern, tomorrow and Saturday will be a different story. They will intermittently push all the fires, gradually in our direction.
So David and I will be preparing the outside as much as possible, and leaving, should the call to evacuate be made. Unless rain arrives, I cannot see the fires putting themselves out. They've only spread with each day, despite the gallant efforts of the Rural fire Services.
Fortunately the winds haven't been as gusty as they were, before so many fires appeared. But we have to expect, conditions can change rapidly.
All in the box
I don't really know what to expect, next week. I purchased myself a new office chair recently, which is still in the box. Wondering, should I put it together, or throw it in the car, as is? I saw the fires were a possibility, as they continued to spread in our State, and neighbouring, New South Wales. I remain optimistic, however, because life is still amazing. I woke to a chorus of bird song, this morning, and felt like I still lived, in a magical part of the world.
Although we will prepare and evacuate if necessary, no-one really knows what will happen next week. I continue in my daily life, with admiration for the communities that hold fast, and the countless opportunities we've been given to endure. In drought, there is still water, to fight fires. Homes still standing, amidst the ashes. The pilot of a water bomber, even survived a crash, they were in, while ferrying water to a fire near us. A fire that was down-graded, by the following day.
I'm in awe of the miracles unfolding, as the fires push on. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Chris, I am in town and a little nervous here with all the water bombers flying over today. I hope you stay safe down there.
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope there won't be any more incidents with water bombers, crashing. It must be a difficult job, getting behind the smoke, so you can see your way to the fire. Conditions improved yesterday, which saw some markers removed from the map. It would just be great to get some decent rain though, to put out where the fires are at present. Giving our poor emergency workers, a break. :)
DeleteMy heart is with you, I hope you and your home is saved, we are watching in on our TV news here in UK.
ReplyDeleteFires had stayed away for a while. It was only a recent development to get so many appear. Which goes to show, we cannot get complacent. I'm hoping all will come good though. Thanks M.
DeleteHoping that you and your family stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThank you Misti. We have a good community here, so I know we're in good hands. :)
DeleteStay safe, Chris. Thinking of you in this terrible time. We've had so much rain down here that burning off restrictions haven't been notified yet, nominally Dec 1st. Unusual for the notices to be so late. I'm hoping for a cool wet summer, but not expecting it. Still doing massive clearing and will continue. I won't leave the house though, but stay and defend. I couldn't start again at my age.
ReplyDeleteI hear you Bev, about staying and defending. If you feel confident in your preparations, then it's a viable option too. If you've been getting a lot of rain, then the chances of the same kinds of fires happening in your area, are significantly reduced. The reason they're so widespread in QLD and NSW, is the drought conditions for around two years. Not enough rain to hydrate trees, and keep moisture under the mulch. I always hope, that will change for us. But it's good to know, other places are receiving rain. When it stops everywhere, then we're in trouble. ;)
DeleteHere in North Queensland we really feel for you in southern Queensland and I hope and pray that you can stay in your home. The uncertainty must be dreadful. There are fires in our area as well but so far no real damage. It seems the variety of catastrophic weather events are becoming more frequent everywhere. All the best, Pauline
ReplyDeleteThe uncertainty did get to me yesterday. But not for long. I figured I still had a choice, in how I felt about it all. Giving into anxiety was completely understandable, but not ultimately beneficial when I still needed to adapt, to what was happening around me. I hope the fires in your parts of Qld, stay relatively tame too. I noticed some signiicant rainfall, in the higher parts of Qld. So I hope you caught some of it. :)
DeleteOh no Chris, I didn't realise there were fires near you.
ReplyDeletePlease stay safe xxx
Keeping vigilant, Tania. Conditions have eased today, and hoping this will help the crews get on top of it. :)
DeleteThe coming days look like they will be challenging for firefighters again, Chris, so sending my wishes for a change to come through that keeps you and your property safe. MegXx
ReplyDeleteThanks Meg. The weather can always change, and I'm hoping for the better. :)
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