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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 18, 2013 17:28:24 GMT 12
Wow, the current spate of bush fires all along the east coast of Australia looks dreadful. They said on the news it's the worst in ten years at least.
I hope uou Australian members and friends are all safe.
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Post by ErrolC on Oct 18, 2013 17:46:06 GMT 12
I'm glad I'm flying to Canberra, and don't have to drive through the Blue Mountains to get to Temora. I've also realised that I have to check how to get info about issues and road closures, and be prepared to be stranded unexpectedly.
Good luck everyone over there.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 18, 2013 18:37:02 GMT 12
Is Temora near the threatened areas?
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Post by Bruce on Oct 18, 2013 18:51:03 GMT 12
Lithgow, which has been hit pretty hard by the fires, is the location of the Blue Mountains Zig - Zag Railway, the first steelmaking industry in Australasia and the Lithgow Arsenal, manufacturers of smallarms and weapons for the ADF and commonwealth countries. Its a nice little mountain township oozing with history, very sorry to see it hit by the fires...  |
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Post by ErrolC on Oct 18, 2013 18:53:43 GMT 12
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Post by jonesy on Oct 19, 2013 5:57:57 GMT 12
Its pretty hard to comprehend the devestation which is happening to the folk on the East Coast, last year was Tasmania, it just seems to be an ongoing problem. Guess thats the downside of having thousands iof hectares of explosive gum trees in your backyard...Expect to see NZ Rural firefighters there shortly to provide some well-appreciated assistance.
Fortunately for me in the Pilbara theres very little risk as dirt doesnt seem to burn much.
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Post by mcmaster on Oct 19, 2013 13:41:20 GMT 12
You should be Ok being inland Errol, the hot inland temps haven't arrived yet. The temperatures nearer the coast has been 10 degrees or more hotter than inland so when the dry norwester is going (like it was on that bad fire day) it was 35 around Sydney and this side of the Blue Mountains but a much milder 25 inland. But pays to keep alert anyway.
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Post by vansvilla on Oct 22, 2013 8:04:08 GMT 12
Wonder what they would give for a Martin Mars about now?
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Post by ErrolC on Oct 22, 2013 8:11:02 GMT 12
It's not that simple. Aircraft have been unavailable due to high winds in many cases. Also, there comes a point where spending the cost of importing aircraft on other measures is more effective.
Sent via Proboards Android App
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Oct 22, 2013 10:45:46 GMT 12
Wonder what they would give for a Martin Mars about now? The last flying Mars has been removed from service. They are no more. Read more HERE. |
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catcrew
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 72
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Post by catcrew on Oct 22, 2013 17:00:03 GMT 12
There is quite a lot of info for us locals on the local council facebook page. Facebook can be useful after all. www.facebook.com/WingecarribeeShireCouncilI am at Hill Top very close to where the Southern highlands fire has been. A lot of chopper and fire bomber activity within sight of our place, which is in the bush, so cannot see very far. We are safe so far. The local firies have been terrific. CC |
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Post by Luther Moore on Oct 22, 2013 17:30:01 GMT 12
I have a friend who is also from Hill Top, he was freaking out when he heard Hill Top might be on alert. Have you been to Fountaindale Grand Manor?
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catcrew
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 72
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Post by catcrew on Oct 22, 2013 17:34:34 GMT 12
I have a friend who is also from Hill Top, he was freaking out when he heard Hill Top might be on alert. Have you been to Fountaindale Grand Manor? Haven't been there for many years. It was then called Ranelagh House. CC |
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Post by Luther Moore on Oct 22, 2013 17:36:22 GMT 12
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Post by Luther Moore on Oct 22, 2013 17:39:10 GMT 12
I have a friend who is also from Hill Top, he was freaking out when he heard Hill Top might be on alert. Have you been to Fountaindale Grand Manor? Haven't been there for many years. It was then called Ranelagh House. CC Yea that's it. My Aunty owns it, she is trying to sell it as it is too much work for her too handle. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 22, 2013 18:22:01 GMT 12
Amazing photos on that link Luther.
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Post by Luther Moore on Oct 23, 2013 20:27:23 GMT 12
Never seen the sky look so amazing, at the same time it looked beautiful you couldn't help but feel for those in the middle of it.
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Post by delticman on Oct 23, 2013 21:50:39 GMT 12
Um, I've had a look at those photos, more interesting than the real thing. I was in Sydney that day train riding (what else is there to do?)0830-1830. I did wait at Penrith for 35mins and the express service from Katoomba arrived on time. A lot of reports of people smelling smoke but from my stops at places like Milsons Point, Penrith, Sydenhem, Campbellton,Sutherland and Cronulla,I smelt none but it did get very dark around 1700 and the sun was blood red at times.
At Scone the day before, I watched three AT802/802A's loading while fighting a fire south of Muswellbrook. Three more 802's arrived on standby. Two helicopters were working and came in for fuel, one being the PNG registered Bell 214B that was based at Tauranga this year.
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Post by Luther Moore on Oct 23, 2013 22:31:37 GMT 12
Really? I live near Sydenham and close to the city, I could smell it. I can't remember which way it came from but it might of moved north to south/south west slowly. I remember the outline of it, south and south west was clear blue sky and north was dark and smokey, maybe that's why? The photos show exactly what it was like, only the quality isn't as good as the naked eye.
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Post by kiwibeavers on Oct 24, 2013 3:44:06 GMT 12
It has been revealed that the big State Mine Fire near Lithgow was started by the Military using an incendiary device during training. Somebody has some explaining to do as this fire has wiped out 47,000 hectares so far and is burning out of control still. Going to be an interesting drive to Orange from Newcastle tomorrow in the truck, that's if I can get from home to work on the M1 as it was closed lastnight due to the Minmi fire. I just hope that everyone is safe and if in doubt, get the hell out!!!! Leaving Maitland for Wollongong now so could be a hellish drive. Strong smell of smoke here this morning (2.45am).Stay safe everyone.
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