A Weekend Of Horror

No sooner Mel was safe and sound and thinking of returning home when a plume of smoke over the hills warned us a very big bushfire was creating hell for those living in it's path.  We had taken Mel home Sunday afternoon and listening to the radio on our return we heard some areas of the eastern hills of Perth were shut off by the flames and residents were no longer able to leave or enter the area.  The weather was still horribly hot and windy.  The hills is a haven of natural bushland; tall towering eucalyptus trees and vegetation; a feeding frenzy for a hungry fire.
Residents who decided to stay and defend their homes no longer had a choice to vacate, they were now trapped by the fire and had no choice but to stay.  The reports were soon widespread on every TV, radio and social media device.  The flames were over twenty metres high and spanned three suburbs.  The wind continued to constantly change direction taking the fire with it and baffling the many fire-fighters. Many people had vacated their homes and were bunked down at two designated shelters, some of them only had time to collect themselves and  their pets.  The community rallied together providing food, bedding, toys for the children, friendship and emotional support.
It was confirmed today fifty houses have been burnt to the ground.  Fortunately there has not been any loss of human life in the fire, but many are worried about their missing pets.  It is expected people can return to their properties tomorrow morning.  For some there will only be pain and tears seeing their beloved homes burnt to the ground.  The Premier broke his holiday to meet victims today at the shelters and promised affected residents monetary assistance.  A public appeal for donations has also been launched.  Fortunately many people are not personally affected by this horrific bushfire but they can help mend another person's life with a donation.



A house burnt to the ground, the devastation of the bush fire

ps.  A total of 55 houses were burnt.  This number was unknown until three days after the bush fire.