Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Fires in Australia

Those images and film clips are apocalyptic. It's horrendous.

Thinking of you guys.

All the areas affected we have visited many times as my daughter lived on acreage outside Milton/Ulladulla. We were caught in a fire on the way to Jervis Bay in 2004 in an old Ford Falcon and the bodywork was scorched but luckily were able to get out on another road. Luckily she and her family moved to Nelson Bay 18 months ago. The areas around Mallacoota and East Gippsland often have one road in and out so when the fires come down the road they are trapped. Very popular around Christmas and New Year. My sister had a boat on the Gippsland Lakes. It is a wonderful part of the world. We wish Australian all the very best. Wonderful stoic people.

I just got an SMS from my brother. 45° on the northern edge of Sydney. A southerly buster (strong south wind) had just arrived which gives some relief from the temperature but would not be good for any fires still alight.

Just heard from my daughter that all the area around Little Forest where they lived in flames and there neighbours houses lost.
Communications have gone down.
It really brings it home when you know the people affected.

Happy New Year Australia.

Just listening to it on the news on BBC radio 4. It sounds truly horrific.

So are they still going ahead with the Sydney Harbour firework display???? To me that really is nonsensical.

This takes you to a fire map of Australia https://myfirewatch.landgate.wa.gov.au/

I turned off all the fire options and turned on all the lightning activity options (the last few days) that give an amazing idea of how many of the fires have probably started.

Don't be silly now it's all about visitor revenue not emotions Antipodian pyrotechnics
It must feel like a slap in the face for the thousands that are suffering out there, let alone the loss of life.

A quote from the Sydney mayor in defence - I think she's been watching Yes Minister..

Ms Moore told a press conference that New Year's Eve was an important celebration that would "give hope to people at a terrible time", but called for action on climate change.
She stressed the preparations for the event to usher in the new decade had begun 15 months ago.
"Many people have already flown in and paid for hotels and restaurants, travelling from all over the world to be here for tonight's New Year's Eve. It generates A$130m (£69m; $91m) for the NSW economy, powers our tourism industry, creates jobs and supports countless small businesses", she said.
But she argued that the "compelling issue here is climate change", and called on the government to do more to reduce global emissions.
"Cities around the world are doing their bit to address global warming; it's our national governments that are failing us," she added.

In general terms perhaps it is time to switch from pyrotechnic displays to light shows and laser displays. The result would be less disturbing for animals and a lot less poluting.