Wed 24 th August 2022
Just after lunch today a fire engine went roaring down our lane with sirens screaming out. A short while afterwards Michelle went outside and there across the fields from us was a huge plume of smoke.
Searching on the news it turned out the fire was less than a kilometre from us in a straight line and 40 hectares of forest was blazing, it was a suspect arson as the fire broke out in four places at once. Local residents were evacuated from their homes.
We discussed evacuation plans if it got closer to us but thankfully what wind there was was blowing towards the fire and away from us.
Scores of firemen were drafted in from around the region and for at least four hours 4 planes loaded with water returned again and again assisted by a helicopter which dropped water on the fire.
Obviously the roads all around the area are blocked off but as it is on our main route to our shopping area, petrol station etc I’m sure tomorrow we will see the devastation. Thankfully there are no reports of any casualties but I hate to think what devastation was caused to the wildlife.
This morning we drove to town and this stretch of burnt forest was the only one we could get close to, there were still 6 fire vehicles in attendance. I took this photo from in front of our neighbours son’s house, it was only 15m across the road from them. Thankfully overnight we had a storm and for a few hours heavy rain, which hopefully helped damp down the area.
taraabit 