Wildfires in Australia kill 65

[Slav]

It was horrible here yesterday. There's some pretty wild fires about 25km from my place and the smoke had drifted over this area yesterday. Very smokey and unbearably hot winds which made it all so much worse. Last week we had 5 or 6 straight days that were above 40 degrees, so that made it so much worse for the fires.

I don't know if any of you are aware, but the CFA who are our country fire association and who handle most of these fires are mostly made up of volunteers. So, much respect for those of whom are risking their lives in order to help others.

[Slav]

Excuse the double post, but for anyone interested:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/man-to-face-court-over-vic-bushfires-20090205-7ytn.html

Luckily, one of the arsonists that have been accused of started some of the fires is finally being charged. At the moment, the death toll has increased to 84 dead and 750 homes lost which is much worse than the Ash Wednesday fires (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday_fires).

[Slav]

Yeah, I believe he was accused of starting the 2007 Victorian Alps bushfires, not 100% sure though. But as you can see, a lot of these fires have been deliberately lit.

108 people have now been confirmed dead.

[Slav]

Well, police and investigators are asking for any eye-witnesses to come forward if they believe they know any of the arsonists and I'm pretty sure they'll charge them with manslaughter. What is even worse though, is that firefighters believe the arsonists are returning and re-lighting the fires after the fire crew have put the fire out. Absolutely disgusting display of selfishness.

Sadly, the death toll seems to be rising every hour. There's been lots of support from everyone for the victims and those left homeless which is good to see though. I think in the next few days I'm going to try and donate blood for the injured in the hospital.