All Fired Up

[Richard Quartermaine]

We've been doing the Ritual Fire Dance here in Katoomba. Yesterday afternoon, just down the road the howling wind was pushing a raging fire towards us and our magnificent Firies were having difficulty trying to hold it. Preparing to evacuate last night we were waiting to see if the half dozen helicopter tankers, including the big specialist sky crane would check the progress. Thankfully the wind dropped enough by nightfall and living opposite the Rural Fire station and State Emergency Centre we were able to keep tabs on the 'state of play' and the water drops from the helicopters stopped the progress. The fire dropped to the Valley floor and today the helicopters have continuously dropped water and the wind has kept respectable.

Whilst we would just have to hop in the car and drive around to the RSL Club, the action so far has succeeded and it is highly unlikely that we will see it cause much more trouble. You will see from the attached photos that we were well prepared and so was the car at the gate as were a great team of Firies and their equipment. The Sky Crane was taken through our kitchen window.

It's bed time and that's where I am going. There'd be enough noise to wake us and the dog if the unexpected happened, so good night all.
Richard

Been a bit busy - just saw Des' post. Katoomba bushfire destroys one home

[Ivan Cloherty]

Glad to hear your safe Richard as will be everyone on site

[Captain Kong]

Good luck Richard, Hope it all goes away for you. They should shoot the people who light the fires.
Cheers
Brian.

[John Albert Evans]

Lets hope it rains like hell.

John Albert Evans.

[Doc Vernon]

Glad that it didn't come to the Evacuation Richard as I recall the last bad Fires here we were all packed as well and ready to leave!
But like you we too were spared that move!
Things look a lot calmer Today and I am sure all will now be AOK!
Take Care

[Captain Kong]

It is a beautiful place around Katoomba, don't understand why some idiot would want to set fire to it.
Hope Richard and Vernon`s homes are OK.
Cheers
Brian.

[Doc Vernon]

We are just fine thanks Capt,I think that goes for Richard too!
Just lots of smoke ! I went to Katoomba Yesterday to do my Shopping and it was rather smelly there !LOL!
Cheers

Helicopters still flying around here this morning,will have to keep tabs!

[Richard Quartermaine]

Thanks a lot, 80% chance of showers over the coming 3 days and the fire is contained on an 18 hectare section at the foot of the escarpment so all is under control. It is already clouding over. Hope they find the scum.
Cheers,
Richard

[Lou Barron]

Hope that every thing turns out for you Richard i have been in touch with Vernon .Keep safe

[Charlie Hannah]

Reading in the paper this morning the family who lost there family home in Katoomba, Very sad.Arson suspected.Jailing not enough for these idiots lighting fires in this season.
Hope it bucket's down soon Stay safe all you blokes out that way.