Fires in Australia - death toll going up - PLEASE PRAY

[crazybabyborg]

edit to add, the scumbags, looters, and fake door knockers trying to make money from this.  Every country has scumbags.  Im waiting for the knock on my door claiming donations.  I want id, then will make a phone call, if he is a SCAB, I will punch him very hardly in the face.  The cops will already be called by me.  I just will not tolerate scumbags making money from tragedies. 

Follow up with a left for me too, Lucinda!   

I'm caught up reading the news posted here and following in on the news networks, as well. Thanks for all the posts keeping us up to date! Heartfelt prayers for all the victims and their families! This is such a massive tragedy, and a story of heroism on the part of many! Your husband is among them.


God Bless!

[Lovinlife]

Hi Lucinda,

I heard about the fires in Australia on the news here in the states and wondered if it was effecting you in any way.  Then, I stumbled upon this thread.  How sad people have to lose their lives this way.  I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for comfort and saftey of you and your country men & women. 

Peace & Love,
Lovinlife

[Lucinda]

one arsonist has been caught.  They also found child pornography in his possession.  Thanks everyone for your prayers for Australia, it means a lot to us down under when we read about all your posts of support.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25048866-421,00.html 

[Lucinda]

edit to add, the scumbags, looters, and fake door knockers trying to make money from this.  Every country has scumbags.  Im waiting for the knock on my door claiming donations.  I want id, then will make a phone call, if he is a SCAB, I will punch him very hardly in the face.  The cops will already be called by me.  I just will not tolerate scumbags making money from tragedies. 

Follow up with a left for me too, Lucinda!   

I'm caught up reading the news posted here and following in on the news networks, as well. Thanks for all the posts keeping us up to date! Heartfelt prayers for all the victims and their families! This is such a massive tragedy, and a story of heroism on the part of many! Your husband is among them.


God Bless!

I sure will CBB.  And, I do apologize for using the term "scumbag"  I know it has other meanings, but in aussie it means a jerk.  Thank you my hubby called yesterday, he said its devastating there, but also heart warming to see so much compassion.  He took his mobile phone, but not his charger, so i think he has flat batteries    cos I couldnt reach him tonight.  He is OK tho, he isnt fire fighting just doing volunteer work.  He be home on sunday.

[Sharon/Tx]

one arsonist has been caught.  They also found child pornography in his possession.  Thanks everyone for your prayers for Australia, it means a lot to us down under when we read about all your posts of support.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25048866-421,00.html 

  I've been thinking about you Lucinda!  I am glad they found the arsonist.  Australia has been on my mind alot.  When I saw the koala bear drinking water from the fireman, it brought tears to my eyes.  How can anyone be so cruel and thoughtless?  Hopefully things will get better soon!  Take care over there!

[Lucinda]

Hi Lucinda,

I heard about the fires in Australia on the news here in the states and wondered if it was effecting you in any way.  Then, I stumbled upon this thread.  How sad people have to lose their lives this way.  I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for comfort and saftey of you and your country men & women. 

Peace & Love,
Lovinlife

Thanks lovin.  Im not affected by the fires, Im safe.  They caught one arsonist, see my post above.  Now Australia needs to get murder charges in progress.  One good thing to come from this tragedy, is our laws here may get tougher, however the way they are protecting this scum, and hiding his identity.  But, then again, everyone will be out for blood, so he wont get a fair trial.  Least he is caught, and god help the families who he has killed with his actions. 

[Lucinda]

one arsonist has been caught.  They also found child pornography in his possession.  Thanks everyone for your prayers for Australia, it means a lot to us down under when we read about all your posts of support.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25048866-421,00.html 

  I've been thinking about you Lucinda!  I am glad they found the arsonist.  Australia has been on my mind alot.  When I saw the koala bear drinking water from the fireman, it brought tears to my eyes.  How can anyone be so cruel and thoughtless?  Hopefully things will get better soon!  Take care over there!

Hi Sharon, yes that koala made me bawl my eyes out.  Im a real animal lover.  The animals are also getting cared for with donations to wildlife rescue and rspca.  Lets hope they catch the other aresholes, oops i meant arsonists too.  They have suspicions one is responsible for 100 deaths alone.  (this is rumour tho thats going around), but also last night, arsonists lit a fire (what dickheads, with all the cops, firies, forensic people around.  It got contained). 

[Lucinda]

if anyone would like to sign the condolance page, theres a link:
http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/gb2/HeraldSun-AU/default.aspx?personid=123916684

[Lucinda]

There is one thing I would like to post that may help someone in a similar situation.  When there is a bush/wildfire.  And, you see flames in the distance, but feel your house is safe and away from the fire.  Well, two things can happen.  Firstly, the wind can suddenly change and within seconds be on your doorstep.  the other thing, that not a lot of people know about, is fires can and do travel underground also.  They feed from the tree roots.  So, if you see a fire in the distance, any second it could explode underneath your home.  That is how fast they travel.  Rubbish dumps, where people dump rubbish.  Well, my brother works at one here, and he said there is a million tonnes of rubbish underground, from the last 50 years that before recycling, just got buried.  that is producing dangerous gases, shees, back only 10 years ago, they used to bury everything, so can you imagine the build up of gases beneath us all?  And, im not a greenie in no means, but starting to become one.

[pharlap]

This whole thing is heartbreaking..............
Another story.........
TMZ Apologizes for Mocking Burned Koala Rescued From Aussie Wildfire

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,491430,00.html
This is Sam

[Lucinda]

This whole thing is heartbreaking..............
Another story.........
TMZ Apologizes for Mocking Burned Koala Rescued From Aussie Wildfire

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,491430,00.html
This is Sam

yeah i read that wankers joke about dining with sushi, least he apoloigized then.

[Lucinda]

Reading back here, i apologise I didnt thank a lot of people who posted in this thread.  Im sorry to anyone I missed.  I did read everyones kind words tho. 

Tibrogargan, you must be from tassie?  Yep, we all stick together.  Cept for footy, then its all out war 

[Lucinda]

The arsonist responsible for the Gippsland fires has been named:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25061565-5006785,00.html

They just said on the news here that he was a volunteer fire fighter.  Apparently rumours going around, he cracked when his girlfriend dumped him.  His my space: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=199945570

His facebook showed a video of him lighting a match with a laser.  Looks like hes not up for murder charges tho, only arson causing death (wonder if he will get sentencing on each single person's death he caused??), child pornography, and lighting a bushfire.

His girlfriends (altho she has done nothing wrong)
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=91936740


Hubby is home    He is taking a nap.  Theres a lot of volunteers there helping.

[Sassycat]

This whole thing is heartbreaking..............
Another story.........
TMZ Apologizes for Mocking Burned Koala Rescued From Aussie Wildfire

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,491430,00.html
This is Sam

yeah i read that wankers joke about dining with sushi, least he apoloigized then.

Koala Bears are so cute.    I've been thinking about you Lucinda.   I'm glad they arrested that arsonist.

[trimmonthelake]

Thanks for keeping us updated Lucinda.
That Kolala breaks my heart. 

[trimmonthelake]

Thanks for keeping us updated Lucinda.
That Kolala breaks my heart. 

Sorry,I meant Koala. 

[Lucinda]

apparently, on tonights news broadcast, facebook users threatening this man, are going to be investigated and prosecuted.  What a load of carp, but I havent threatened him, so Im safe.  I didnt even write his name in here, but linked.  Apparently, hes innocent till proven guilty. 
Can I just do this?  Barrfffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

[Tibrogargan]

National day of mourning for Victoria bushfire victims

Article from: AAP
February 22, 2009 12:05pm

UPDATED: PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has decreed that on February 7 every year, flags will fly at half-mast to remember victims of Victoria's devastating bushfires.

Addressing the National Day of Mourning service attended by tens of thousands at Melbourne's Rod Laver arena, Mr Rudd said Black Saturday saw the worst of nature but the best of humanity, and vowed that every year on February 7 Australian flags would fly at half-mast.

"In recent days we have witnessed unspeakable suffering. We have lost mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. We have lost brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, the tiniest of children, family and friends and neighbours," Mr Rudd said.

"All these are precious lives. No words can provide solace for grief so personal. But simply know this. You who suffer are not alone.

"This great Australian family here assembled and across the nation today is with you."

He said Australia's reaction to the bushfires was different to what may have been expected in other places.

"In some countries tragedy exposes the faultlines in a nation. The strong abandoning the weak. One region indifferent to the sufferings of another. One culture uncaring as to the needs of another.

"But ours is a different nation. Our nation has been as one. Australia, a nation of compassion," Mr Rudd said.

Attendees at Rod Laver Arena included hundreds of bushfire survivors who were shuttled into the city from fire-ravaged towns.

The arena was filled with people, including political leaders, religious leaders, Princess Anne and other dignitaries.

Many of those at the service were wearing the distinctive yellow overalls of the firefighters.

At least 209 people are known to have died in the February 7 fire storms, most of those from a sweep of towns and villages northeast of Melbourne.

Services are being held across Australia to remember the bushfire victims, although the one at the Rod Laver Arena is expected to be the largest.

In a sombre procession, members of the official party including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Victorian Premier John Brumby, Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Princess Anne laid flowers at a wreath to remember the dead.

Singer Deborah Cheetham led singing of the national anthem.

Aboriginal leader Auntie Joy Murphy officially welcomed those to the land of the Wurundjeri people.

"The terrible loss of so many human lives, animals and homes is extremely difficult to comprehend and accept, to believe what has happened," Ms Murphy said.

"The spirit of the land will reclaim itself and the bush animals and the pets will return, this is nature's way," she said.

Premier John Brumby told those at the service that Australia was a nation deep in mourning.

"We are picking up the pieces after the worst natural disaster in Australia's history. Devastating fires that have taken family, friends, neighbours and workmates," Mr Brumby said.

"Destructive fires that have torn at the very heart of communities," he said.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce told the service bushfire communities would rebuild.

"We will open our hands and reach out and deep to give of ourselves whatever we are able. We each have our separate tasks, we know what they are and together we know the responsibilities we share," Ms Bryce said.

"In time, what was will be restored - no matter how colossal the effort."

But she said today was a day of reflection.

"The unthinkable we must think; the unimaginable we must see; the unspeakable we must speak; the unbearable we must weep."

Princess Anne represented Queen Elizabeth and the royal family at the memorial.

The princess read out a message written by Queen Elizabeth soon after the fires occurred and passed on her condolences.

"Although a little daunted, when faced with the scale of loss, and the physical and mental impact that these bushfires have made and are still making for Victoria, individuals and towns have responded with resilience, ingenuity, courage and selflessness to situations that were changing at terrifying speed," Princes Anne said.

She said she would be visiting fire affected areas on Sunday, and speaking to some of those touched by the tragedy.

"People from around Australia and across the world watched in horror, but with admiration at their response," Princess Anne said.

"I would particularly thank all those involved in whatever capacity, in the emergency services and in the voluntary organisations," she said.

Victoria's Governor David de Kretser said there were no words to encompass the distress of those who had lost loved ones.

"These have also been difficult days for all Victorians. Days of fear, of pain and now of haunting sadness," he said.

"It is not only family and friends who have suffered loss. Entire communities have been devastated by these fires."

Federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said all efforts must be done to rebuild shattered towns.

"The measure of our support for you, indeed the measure of love for you, must be whatever it takes," Mr Turnbull said.

"Whatever it takes to put you back on your feet. Whatever it takes to heal broken bodies and soothe broken hearts.

"We mourn those we have lost. We are united in our sorrow for those who loved them," Mr Turnbull said.

Meanwhile in Sydney, hundreds gathered on the steps of the famous Opera House to pay their respects.

Many bowed their heads and wiped away tears as indigenous soprano Deborah Cheetham sang the national anthem at the start of the National Day of Mourning - Together for Victoria memorial ceremony.

The Melbourne ceremony was shown on giant screens outside the Opera House and at Olympic Park.

David Harvey, on holiday from England, said he had concerns for the mother of a friend, a 93-year-old woman living north of Melbourne.

"I know there was a fire near where she lives," he said.

"She's had to take a lot of precautions."

Anne Skeet, also on holiday from England, was in Adelaide during the bushfires.

"I thought I'd come and have a look," she said.

"I don't think you can understand the enormity of the fires.

"I've seen bushfires but not anything on that scale."

The memorial service will be followed by a sold-out benefit concert at the Opera House from 4pm (Queensland time).

Those without tickets can watch the concert on the screen outside the Opera House.

Artists will include the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and Sydney Theatre Company.

 

[Tibrogargan]

More remains found in fire sites previously searched

Article from: PerthNow....Simon Mossman....February 21, 2009 02:30pm

SECURITY has been tightened at bushfire-ravaged sites after more bodies were found in areas already searched, with the toll set to rise beyond 209.

Several sets of remains were recovered late on Friday by forensic experts scouring fire sites in Marysville, Kinglake and Hazeldene, north of Kinglake.

The discoveries prompted coroner Jennifer Coate to order a tightening of security at bushfire-ravaged sites, two weeks after the Black Saturday firestorms swept through several areas of the state, killing at least 209 people.

Police said it was too early to determine exactly how many people the remains belonged to, but it was enough for Ms Coate to order that many sites be thoroughly searched for a second time.

``To properly ensure for families that we are able to produce for them the answers that they need and their loved ones returned to them as best we can, it became clear that what we needed to do is preserve those sites to enable police to complete this extraordinary and complex task of the searches of those fire-affected areas where tragically people have perished,'' she told reporters on Saturday.

``The fact that the re-search (re-search) has given us further evidence doesn't for a moment cast any shadow over the extraordinary job that the searchers have done to date.

``It's an incredibly complex scene, it's unprecedented.

``Such is the level of expertise that exists among the range of scientific areas that are working with us . . . that even the smallest piece of evidence may assist us in giving families confirmation that they need, rather than leave these questions unanswered for them for all time.

``If we don't preserve the scenes in this way to ensure that we've given us the best opportunity to give them (the families) the answers that they need, we will lose that opportunity.''

Ms Coate said she could not confirm whether the new findings would add to the overall death toll.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said it was difficult to underestimate the size and scale of the task to identify the remains and establish the number and identity of victims who may still be missing.

``We're talking of an area of 250,000 square kilometres. There's a lot of people living in that area,'' Mr Walshe said.

``As the coroner explained, the (new) powers ... enable police to be able to go back and re-search those areas, it prevents the owners of the properties from starting any clean-up, removing any rubble of destroyed houses until such time as the police are satisfied that area has been thoroughly searched.

``This has been a disaster above all proportions that this state has ever experienced before.

``To have such fires go through areas, for 209 people to lose their lives, to 10,000 people to be out of home, to have over 1800 houses destroyed - it's been a massive task for all emergency services to deal with.''

The latest findings come as tens of thousands of people prepare to descend on central Melbourne to mourn the victims of Victoria's deadly bushfires.

Hundreds of survivors will be shuttled into the city from fire-ravaged rural towns for a memorial service at Rod Laver Arena.

The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, and other dignitaries will attend the ceremony, officially known as the National Day of Mourning, Together for Victoria.

Emergency services were working in mild conditions on Saturday to fortify existing control lines and ramp up back-burning operations around the four remaining bushfires.

The four super blazes - the Kilmore East-Murrindindi North and South complexes, the Bunyip State Park and Wilson's Promontory fires - continue to burn out of control, though authorities said there was no immediate threat to nearby townships or property, despite a forecast of hotter conditions on Monday.

The worst-hit town is Marysville with 45 dead, followed by Strathewen with 42 fatalities, Kinglake with 38 and St Andrews 22.

[Lucinda]

God rest their souls,
Dear Lord, please give comfort for the grieving families who lost their loved ones in these devastating bush fires.  Please let us all learn from this tragedy.  Clearing your own land should not be considered an offence, this law needs to be changed.  Please lord, help the Victorians rebuild their home towns and their homes, and thank you Lord for teaching our country about compassion.  I am so proud how our country stuck together thru this disaster, and within this tragedy, it has showed just how much compassion the majority of people have, even from all over the world.  Dear lord, we need to rehabilitate these arsonists, and please Lord, help me get over my hatred for these murderers.  Amen, Love lucinda