I just heard that one of our friends in Australia, near Tilba Tilba, lost everything yesterday. Apparently they thought the danger was past but a wind sprang up from the west and the fire, in dense forest, got going again. He is a motorcycle mechanic in retirement and other than one bike and the clothes he was wearing everything is gone, house, tools and equipment, and all the usual stuff that one would have in a house and sheds in a remote area. He has managed to get back into his land but has said that all that is left is melted lumps of metal. Thank goodness he was able to get out in time.
Unfortunately he has no insurance. His friends are setting up a fund to help him with any immediate needs. Apparently there will be a payment from a government fund but that will take time and will never cover his loss.
Peter, that is tragic news and I am afraid he is not alone. Tilba Tilba is a glorious spot but would be very vulnerable to bush fire.
Good to hear he made it out alive. Others have not been so lucky.
