Victorian Bushfires

[OZZI-BLOKE]

I found a group on Flickr that is for Victorian Bushfires photo's. I would say that most of the shot are taken by a person who works for the press or something because he has close up shots of people and also arial images of burnt out area's and images of the sky crane (Elvis) from above out of a chopper or something.
The link is - http://www.flickr.com/groups/998526@N20/pool/
Well worth a look to see the devastation that has happened.
Some images may be a bit upsetting to some people.

[OZZI-BLOKE]

Just done a bit of a google search and the bloke with the user name of Aussie Pecker is a well known
and respected photojournalist that does stuff for the Age and other stuff.
He has been into Iraq and Timor to photograph conflicts in them countries as well.
His name is Jason South and he has won numerous awards for his work.

[Analog6]

From the Age: Death toll now 108 (09 Feb @ 0630).

There were 31 active fires across the state as of 5.30am on Monday, the DSE and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) said.

At least 750 homes have been destroyed and more than 330,000ha burnt out, while authorities said some fires could take weeks to contain.

[bigbob]

bin following this in the press and t.v you guys have it bad right now,just remember if it gets close get out sooner rather than later.
It's sad but you can replace propity you can't replace a life.

[OZZI-BLOKE]

The death toll now stands at 131 people. That was about 6pm. The Australian Defence Force has moved
a heap of equipment in to fire effected areas of N/E Victoria to help in the fight.
The closest to me at the moment is around 120km away, at Beachworth where a couple of people were found today in the burnt out house. The fire season in Victoria will last for another 4 to 6 weeks yet, so hopefully the weather cools down and the Fire fighters can get them under control. Unfortunately there is no sign of any good rain for well over a week, the bit that there is normally brings lightening with it.

[Analog6]

Death Toll is now 166.  Expected to top 230.  A disaster of previously undreamed of proportions.

On Coles website they say they will donate ALL profits for this Friday to the bushfire relief. So PLEASE all save your shopping this week until Friday and go to Coles!! (even if you don't normally shop there)

Here is the release statement:

Monday 9 February

Coles to donate this Friday's profits to Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

Coles will donate this Friday's (13 Feb) profits from its 750 stores nationally to the Government's Bushfire Appeal Fund in partnership with the Red Cross.

Customers will also be able to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund at all Coles stores. Donations can be made at all Coles supermarket checkouts from today.

Coles Managing Director Ian McLeod said the bushfire tragedy had touched a number of Coles team members, some of whom have lost loved ones in the fire, and a number who have lost their homes.

"Like everyone in the community, we've been shocked by the devastation these fires have wrought, and we extend our deepest sympathies to those who've suffered loss in this terrible event," Mr McLeod said.

Mr McLeod said the size of this Friday's donation would depend on customer support, but could be several million dollars.

"We hope Australians will help us make this Friday's donation as substantial as possible."

Coles has been helping ground level relief agencies over the weekend, providing essentials such as food, water and toiletries, and will continue to provide additional local support as needed.

Further information,

Jim Cooper Ph: (03) 9829 4354

[OZZI-BLOKE]

Its really good to see a multi million dollar corporation like Coles doing this. WELL DONE COLES.
Now all we need is the big banks and company's like Tattasalls to throw in about 5 or 10 million each.
This would be petty cash to some of these huge companies.

[Cygnus]

As one who lives in a fire prone area, I hate to see these wild fires. It is nice to see some private companies chipping in.

[OZZI-BLOKE]

As of this morning, the Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal has raised over 31 million dollars.

[Cygnus]

The fires were reported this morning on our local news. They stated that one person had been arrested for starting at least one of the fires. They made it sound as if the fire is under control. Any updates?

[Analog6]

There are still fires they are worried about and hotter weather is expected in the area again tomorrow and Monday.

Vic Country Fire Authority website here http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_updates.htm

You can listen to local Melbourne ABC radio with plenty of updates here: http://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/radio/player.htm?winstream=http://abc.net.au/melbourne/onair/774stream.asx&ramstream=http://abc.net.au/melbourne/onair/774stream.ram&layout=popup

[OZZI-BLOKE]

The person that was arrested has been charged with arson causing death, starting a bush fire and also
1 count of possessing child p**nography on his computer. He is a 39 year old that is supposed to be
unstable or mentally ill.
There has been around $100,000,000.00 raised so far by the red cross and other organizations to go
towards helping people rebuild there lives and towns.