Down Under Blazes Burn Outside Chimneys

Sent by a reader

Bushfires continue to threaten towns in WA

Out-of-control bushfires in Western Australia continue to threaten lives, homes and businesses in the state’s South West.

A massive blaze has razed the small town of Yarloop, killing two people and destroying at least 143 properties including 128 homes.

The fire—ignited by lightning on Wednesday—has so far devoured 72,657 hectares, within a perimeter exceeding 250 kilometers.

Only chimneys left standing after a massive blaze razed Yarloop (Western Australia). The bushfire losses in the small town have been described by authorities as catastrophic. [Image credit: ABC News, Australia.]

Bushfire emergency warnings

Bushfire emergency warnings are in effect east of Waroona, Hamel and Yarloop and surrounding areas in the Shires of Harvey and Waroona.

Cookernup and Harvey are on “watch and act” alert.

Up-to-date alerts on the DFES website

Related Links

• Bushfires Threaten Multiple Towns in WA January 9, 2016
• Monster Bushfire Destroys Town in W. Australia January 8, 2016

Photos from Down Under

Australia: A Failing Continent

Killmore East-Murrindindi Complex Fire, Victoria

Among the areas devastated by bushfires in Victoria, Australia, in early February 2009 were Kinglake National Park and the surrounding rural and agricultural areas. The park is located on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range Mountains that arc northward through Victoria and along Australia’s East Coast. The park is only 65 kilometers (about 40 miles) north of Melbourne, and it is important to the city not just as a recreation area, but also because it protects some of the rivers and streams that supply the nearly four million city residents with water. Image created by Jesse Allen, using data provided courtesy of NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS,  and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team. Caption [truncated] by Rebecca Lindsey. Date image acquired: February 14, 2009 ; Posted: February 18, 2009]

There are reports more than 100,000 head of cattle have died in the flooding. A Georgetown grazier says the wet season has devastated many properties. (Photo taken February 2009 - exact date unknown - ABC Net North Qld - User submitted)

Debris left behind from the floodwaters hangs from a cane rail bridge at Upper Stone, west of Ingham, in north Qld, on February 7, 2009. (ABC Net - User submitted via ABC Contribute: macad)

Bushfires burn around Maroondah Dam on February 11. Photo: Craig Abraham. theage.com.au Image may be subject to copyright

The Moderators can clearly see what is happening to Australia. Why have the Australian government and scientific community buried their heads in the sand?

Related News Links:

• Australia fire deaths rise to 200 [Video]
  
• Australia is “fighting” a losing war on two fronts [Video]

Related Links:

• Failing Ecosystems
• State of the World
• Future Scenarios
• First Wave of World’s Collapsing Cities

4 images; 6 links; 270 words