[SOC] We are all alive

[Ian C. Purdie]

Bruce Rattray wrote:

> How are YOU doing considering the fire situation Ian?...

Well yesterday was all bathed in smoke. We have to keep the twins inside
because of asthma attacks. A daughter in Sydney was so bad it looked like a
trip to hospital was on the cards.

Thankfully weather conditions are milder today but ahead of a predicted torrid
day tomorrow [Sunday]. There's feverish back burning going on today and as I
write the breeze is picking up with more smoke coming through. It's a bit like
having fog in the daytime [something we don't normally have except early on
winter mornings].

The problem with fires like these, in sweltering weather conditions and with
high winds, is that the burning bark from "scribbly gums" as one example, can
travel for miles and start another fire. Surprisingly this hasn't happened so
far as no fires have jumped wide rivers or lakes. Ash and embers are called
black snow. In 1994 when I lived in Sydney, everyone's house had ash throughout
the houses. You could open cupboards months later and smell smoke. I actually
like the smell, very Australian.

I was a plumber back then and it's amazing the number of burnt leaves and bark
I'd find in the roof cavity of customers houses even years later.

A fire can start anywhere, anytime.

We badly need rain. We had these fires two weeks ago and miraculously it sort
of decently rained for a full day and put them out. Two days later it was if
there had been no rain and of course here we go again.

We'll be right, thanks for asking. We have a terrific community spirit where
everyone pitches in. We haven't got the stage this time where fire headquarters
drowns under an avalanche of tonnes of sandwiches and soft drinks.

Carolyn has a contingency plan to head for the lake [3 minutes away] with the
kids. Not an idea I like. Taking refuge in water is dangerous and definitely
not advisable for swimming pools. Back in 1994 a whole family were broiled
alive in their pool.

They haven't converted petrol [gas] tankers to water tankers yet. Maybe..

Hmmm, an interesting day in the OZ bush...

Thanks


72/73's

Ian C. Purdie
Budgewoi N.S.W. Australia - Co-ords S33�14', E151�34'
VK2TIP "I'll give ya the TIP mate" QRP-L #1978. SOC #171 FP#91
http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/