Incredibly dry conditions were ripe for a tragedy across the Tasman over the weekend.

Nature may have played a part in some fires but it appears that the human hand could also have been involved.

Record breaking temperatures in Victoria on a number of occasions this summer lead to the state becoming a ‘tinderbox’.

A lack of rain, soaring temperatures and occasional gusty desert winds were the perfect recipe for such a disaster but why was this so extreme?

The fires were spreading at a great speed and were so intense on a grand scale, plus the sheer size of them, left little chance for anyone or anything standing in its path.

For locals it appears that their only options were to risk losing their property by leaving very quickly or risk death by staying at home and trying to keep the inferno at bay by using garden hoses on homes. For some, even leaving their homes wasn’t safe as a few were enveloped by the flames in their cars.

We don’t see fires in this country on the same scale but we have had times when property and lives have been in danger during very dry and hot periods. Perhaps this summer, we have been fortunate to date that we haven’t seen too many scrub and forest  fires raging out of control.

That brings no comfort to those affected in the towns and rural areas in Victoria and for those remaining, their lives been irrevocably changed forever.

Donate to victims of the Australian bushfires…

Red Cross…

100% of your generous donation to a special international appeal will directly fund the activities of that appeal.

2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund, Australia.   As raging bushfires devastate Victoria, Australia the Australian Red Cross has mobilised providing first aid and support to victims and emergency services. The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria has been launched by the Premier John Brumby in partnership with Australia Red Cross and the Federal Government.

To donate to this appeal click here.
Alternatively call 0900 33 200 to make an automatic $20 phone donation to this fund.