State of Emergency in South Australia

[MusicMan]

The South Australian Government has declared a state of emergency due to two uncontrolled fires burning there, which promise to threaten built up areas later today when the wind changes.
The situation may get even worse later on today when a storm front comes through which is expected to produce a lot of lightning.
Temperatures are extreme, and wind speeds are picking up.
This, combined with the curing of grass and vegetation combines to give a catastrophic situation.
Fire Fighting aircraft, flying cranes etc have been active and reinforcements have been called in, from other states.
The State of Victoria is also experiencing similar conditions, but has not declared a state of emergency yet.
Keep safe out there!
(This might be transferred to SOTT when the mail server is restored)

 

[1984]

Yep, up here: http://www.sott.net/article/290850-Catastrophic-wildfire-conditions-across-South-Australia-Western-Australia-and-Victoria

 

[MusicMan]

It's weird, but now I'm seeing rain falling in the fire ground outside the Adelaide suburbs.
Fires are still burning though, and the aerial fire-bombing continues.
Hopefully the rain will give the firefighters some relief.

 

[MusicMan]

This fire in South Australia is still burning.
So far it has taken out 38 homes and two businesses as well as numerous sheds.
I guess livestock and wildlife can't be counted yet.
The fire has achieved a perimeter of about 250 km.
The region is a catchment area for the 'chain of ponds' reservoir, so the water bombers have to be a bit circumspect about where they drop their fire retardant sprays.
It's a worry.

 

[MusicMan]

This fire is now contained, and heavy rains are expected, so good news at this point.
see _http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-08/adelaide-hills-bushfire-rain-helps-ease-threat/6005774