Friday, February 27, 2009

Fear of fire still exists in Australia

As there are still some blazes to be extinguished out there, Australian government decided to give the order of shutting down approximately 200 schools in the South-Eastern regions of the country. It comes as a warning to the citizens since because of the high winds and temperature as well as the low humidity everybody is in danger in these areas. Recently, there has been no rain at all and the weather forecasts were not in favour of the people, therefore many have already decided to leave their homes. 

The fire that started almost three weeks ago is regarded as the worst in Australian history that claimed the most human lives and caused the largest destruction to the nature as well as the infrastructure of the continent. Hundreds died and thousands were forced to leave their homes. According to BBC there are still thousands of people out there – not only firemen but volunteers, as well – who are desperately trying to extinguish the remaining fires that can still spread very fast because of the unfortunate weather conditions. Meanwhile, the police continue to search for those who may have caused some of the fires. Investigation is in progress so as to find the possible arsons. 

David Spooner, who is a volunteer fire-fighter and who has lost his wife and son in the fires told BBC that he would leave now if he was to live in the nearby, endangered areas. All the trees and bushes are too dry; therefore he thinks that these are the worst possible conditions that can only help the fires spread. There are towns where one does not really have the possibility to escape from the area as only one road leads to the town – in and out. The decision on whether to leave the homes or try to protect one’s properties should be made quickly as time is of the essence. 

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