Hey Everyone
Just wanted to update everyone who have been emailing me to ask if i am OK.
As many know,  the state of Victoria (Melbourne) has many fires going right now.. The worst is over with but they are still finding more and more bodies. The news have been saying up to 240 people or more have been killed from the fires. The Current death toll is 173
 

I am really lucky as my area is away from the fires, By about an hour or so drive.. But its still scary & I Do have stuff packed and prepared. Where the really bad fires are (KingLake) is where my mother grew up, and she would of known a lot of people who died due to going to school with them. Shes fairly upset. And in another area where the fires are is where we used to live 3yrs ago.. so i am very thankful that we moved.

* A Lot of the fires were lit on purpose - They are still looking for the culprits and they will be facing  charges with murder. (Good!)

* We had extreme weather - 121F and then the next day went to 70 with lightning storms.

* We didn't really get enough warning about how bad things would get.. Sure we were warned that fires were going to be expected since 121 was our hottest day ever. But many had no idea there area would go up in flames. A Lot of the Areas were hard for firefighters to get out to and help, Many people had tried to escape the fires in there cars only to become stranded in the bushland as cars broke down due to the extreme heat. (very sad)

A Lot of the areas were surrounded by bushland & cliffs, With Small roads, making it harder on people to escape. With Strong winds. - The fire fronts said to be driven by 40 mph winds, and overtaking speeding cars, which were catching fire as they drove.

* There is still 25 fires that are not under Control & Heavy winds expected again today.

If anyone on my friends list has friends in Victoria that they have not heard from and are worried about, Feel free to leave a comment, or send a message with where they live and i will try and help you find out if they are in danger (many people are homeless now)

Lastly, If you can afford to donate money please do so. Any amount will help
For donations to the Victorian Bushfires Appeal:

The Red Cross: www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700

Donations can be made at branches of the NAB, the ANZ or Commonwealth banks, or at any Bunnings store.

Also via the Bendigo Bank online or at any branch.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service: call 13 14 95 to donate blood

Donations to the Salvation Army: call 13 72 58

I heard the news mentioning that other countrys have been helping by donating, If anyone has the details for overseas to donate, please leave them in my comments so i can update this blog.