Just checking in to let all my friends know that my family and I are safe and well. Often when asked by blogging friends where I live, I describe it as Melbourne’s outer east near the Yarra Valley. As you would all know by now the Yarra Valley is currently ablaze. The fires are moving in a north easterly direction away from our suburbs and we are in no danger.
It is hard to describe yesterdays sweltering heat. Melbourne recorded 46.4 degrees (115.5 F) – the hottest day ever recorded by the weather bureau. For many of us in the outer suburbs the mercury on our outdoor thermometers was reading 49 degrees.
In the early afternoon I watched in despair as my garden of 18 years finally shrivelled up in front of my eyes. After 12 years of draught and then last weeks heat wave there was nothing to protect the vegetation from the blistering hot, gale force winds. The heat was so intense that it felt like stepping into a furnace when exiting the house. By mid afternoon it was fast becoming obvious our worst fear had been realised. Sirens could be heard in the distance, a black plume hung over our house and the unmistakable smell of smoke filled the air. My garden is now of little consequence in the aftermath of a day now known as ‘Black Saturday’.
Victoria is Burning
Fires previously confined to Kilmore, Kinglake and Murrindindi have now joined to form what is being referred to as the Kinglake complex fires, with a fire front stretching more than 100km wide.
Kinglake last night.
Authorities have begun to assess the aftermath of what are almost certainly the worst blazes the state has ever seen, with fears the death toll could rise dramatically as fires continue to burn. As I write this post the death toll stands at 35 but many fire ravaged communities are still inaccessible.
Update: Monday 1pm ~ 108 confirmed deaths
There are whole townships that are on fire. Helicopter pilots described Marysville as a ‘disaster zone’ that looks as if a cyclone has ripped through it with 90% of houses destroyed. Kinglake was called a ‘Holocaust’ with everything GONE!!
Horrific reports are now surfacing of people and families unable to outrun the blaze. Too many people are missing, so far 22 people being treated with significant burn injuries and hundreds with fire related injuries. Those that got our early are safe but have lost everything.
The blaze now extends from Kilmore in the west to Marysville in the east and has so far burnt through 120,000ha, closing the Hume, Melba and Maroondah highways. This blaze may continue to burn for many days yet as it enters national park.
Words cannot really describe the devastation our state is experiencing. I’m sure the news will get worse over the coming days as authorities are finally able to get into those worse affected communities.
Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
i have tears in my eyes for people i do not even know. how tragic that lieves have to be lost in such extreme conditions. stay safe my friend.
%*_*%
It was one of the worst days I have ever experienced. Not being near the fires though, i have nothing to complain about. I feel for those that have lost their homes, their loved ones and everything they owned. I hope that next week, with cooler temperatures, the brave fire fighters can put these fires out. I hope we never see another day liek this one.
Hey Kerryanne! So glad you’re not in the path of the fires. I have heard snippets on the news updates, but I think your rundown has driven home more clearly just how devastating these fires are. Like Rosey, I shed tears for those who’ve lost everything and for the families of those who have died or are missing. And you’re right, it puts our little losses and grumbles in perspective. Thank you for sharing – blogging, like life, isn’t always about the happy, but it sure makes us one big community when we know what’s going on and how people are being affected. Stay cool and safe! Bear Hugs! KRIS
Oh how devastating. Sounds like the fires we had here in Southern California. We saw the fires in the distance and our yard was covered in ash. Glad you’re safe!
Oh Kerryanne, I am glad that you and your family are safe. I have had a constant sick feeling in my stomach after reading the news first thing this morning. As I read your post I have shivers and tears…how horrific!! Why??? Why??? Why??? There is absolutely nothing more anyone can do except as you say, keep our thoughts and prayers focused on everyone in this tragic situation…
Kiss noises and lots of love, Linda Lilly Cottage
My Sister is in the foot of the Dandenong ranges but her Son was evacuated from Wesburn.
Many people can’t get out now even if they wanted to and yes the devastation is unfathomable.
My friends Hubby is a fire coordinator and just got in to have some sleep.
It is horrific and far from over.
What to say? I honestly do not know.
Lyn xxx
oh goodness “ditto” Kerryanne!
What on earth were we complaining about compared to these other poor people
Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Vic,
I’m so so sorry about these horrible fires!!! We’ve been hearing it on the news and I’ve been so worried about my poor Aussie friends. I’m so happy you’re safe and I pray that they can put them all out soon and catch whoever is doing it!!
Please stay safe and keep us updated!
xo
Dara
Ohmygosh, I was reading about it on Natasha’s blog and it deeply saddens me you are going through this. We’ve gone through it many times living in Calif. Again, my hat is off the all the emergency personnel and firefighters, chickee, because they go to work and put their lives on the line to save other. MY TRUE HEROES!!!!!!!!!
Smooches friend,
Connie
It’s all so sad and scary that I can barely watch the news reports. We drove through some of these area’s just last week, and to see now what they’re all going through is terrifying! All those poor people… What more can I say. I feel for them all, and their families.
Just horrific . . . I don’t have the right words to say except that as I wipe a tear from my eye I am praying for those people who have suffered from the tragedy. God Bless – Rachaelxo
uch a sad and tragic time for all Victorians. 7.00am this morning there were 108 confirmed deaths!!
Alison
So relieved that you are out of harms way and safe . Our thoughts are with all in flood or fire .
Thanks for the comment on my giveaway , good luck .
clares craftroom
I am so sorry for your country and neighbouring communities. I truly hope relief comes your way soon. Our Aussie friends are certainly at the center of our thoughts and prayers. I would send some cool weather your way if I could.
Karen xoxoxo