Hi guys,

I don't know if this is being covered in the news overseas but Country Towns in Victoria, Australia are being destroyed by huge fires covering thousands upon thousands of hectares.

Whole towns have been completely wiped out and so far over 170 people have died in the fires.

Australia is pulling together and donating everything they can, have look at some of the news stories and if you feel inclined maybe donate something, every dollar counts.

The bet place to donate is through the Red Cross who are doing a tremendous job helping people:
https://www.redcross.org.au/Donations/onlineDonations.asp

News articles can be found through Google or Aus newspapers: http://www.theage.com.au and www.heraldsun.com.au

Facebook has a number of groups with information on them about the fires, just search for 'bushfire' 'victoria' 'cfa'.

(In case anyone is wondering I am nowhere near the trouble spots but have quite a few friends in dangerous areas.)

Thanks guys,
Mario

Headline news in the UK

Yeah...lots of coverage in Canada as well.

Blurker, BigBuck, Wiz et al...is it close to you guys?

Good coverage here as well.

Lotsa coverage. I've got a fire fighter friend who said his DNR unit has been asked to be "on call" to fly to Australia to help fight the fires. Problem is they've also been asked to help out in Texas as well.



(Oh, DNR stands for Department of Natural Resources. They basically govern everything outdoors here in Wisconsin).

My heart goes out to all people affected by wildfires!

I hope lorddavid is ok

as of last night he was fine. The fire's not that close to him.

Good, I was looking at some pics and it was horrible poor people.

All OK. LD is in Melbourne city. Fires all over the country areas surrounding him.

Also headlines here
http://www.spitsnieuws.nl/archives/foto/2009/02/australie_staat_in_brand.html

It's a horrible inferno!

Good luck LD in Melborne and all the people there. Long ago one of my sisters schoolmates went to live there with her family. I hope they all will be ok.

All the coverage in the world - sad to say - would actually be way too much attention, if these fires were caused by those firestarters.... what will they think of next to get attention next year, makes me wonder.

We live in a creepy world.

The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.

Hope things turn better soon and that this disaster doesn't get any worse than it is.

No, the fires are occurring mostly in the country areas, city folk are fine. Just hope this doesn't damage the reputation of Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.

It's terrible news. Our thoughts are with you.