Australia and its catastrophic fires

[MoodyBlues]

As I'm sure everyone knows, Australia is experiencing a natural disaster of epic proportions: fires burning unprecedented acreage.

As a Southern Californian, I'm very familiar with wildfires. But what sets this apart is how out of control the fires already are, yet summer--and its high temperatures--is just now starting. That's scary. On a newscast a few days ago, they said that day had set an all-time record high temp.

I'm proud of the US firefighters and pilots who've gone to help. My fellow Californians and I are always grateful when out-of-area firefighters come here to help us. It's nice to reciprocate.

Over one billion non-human animals have died; in some cases, pushing certain species to extinction.

Whatever your thing is, like prayer or healing thoughts, sending some Australia's way can't hurt.

 

[Unforgiven]

I saw a video of the California Firefighters getting a heroes welcome in an Australian airport. Lets hope they can tilt balance.

It's really sad to see 20 some folks have been convicted of arson and near 200 have been arrested and charged. What the heck is wrong with people?

 

[MoodyBlues]

What the heck is wrong with people?

I don't know. I never do. I can't even remember how many of our fires turned out to be arson--or started innocently by some dimwit who thought making a campfire in DRY...PARCHED conditions, with warning signs everywhere, was a good idea.

Moving on to much happier things, yes, I saw the heroes welcome, too. They deserve every bit of appreciation they get--just like the firefighters who come here when we need help. Canada actually gives us some of their C-130 water scoopers during their off-season. I love the reciprocation!

 

[Unforgiven]

Canada actually gives us some of their C-130 water scoopers during their off-season. I love the reciprocation!

It's pretty cool. I know some guys from Mass. that went to Cali to help out this year and have gone in the past.

 

[puppykickr]

Much of the wildfire problems are caused by the very environmental policies that are supposed to protect the areas.

Mostly not allowing people to clear out ground fuel for fires and not allowing people to put in firebreaks.

 

[MoodyBlues]

Much of the wildfire problems are caused by the very environmental policies that are supposed to protect the areas.

Mostly not allowing people to clear out ground fuel for fires and not allowing people to put in firebreaks.

That's the exact opposite of California's protocols. Homeowners in fire-prone areas are expected to keep their properties clear of brush within X distance from structures. Fire-breaks are common.

What always gets me is that new housing developments are routinely approved--right smack in the middle of prime fire country! Why?! Sure, I'd love to live high up in the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu, with a perfect view of the Pacific...but you won't catch me actually doing it.

Back to Australia: I've been very touched by the interactions I've seen between human and non-human animals, such as people giving water to poor thirsty animals. The animals seem to instinctively understand the humans mean no harm.