Right now, Queensland and NSW are in a state emergency.
As of right now, there are 64 fires burning in New South Wales, 40 of which are still uncontained. Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a state of emergency today, prohibiting fires across the state.
Approximately 970,000 hectares have burned or are currently burning in NSW, and 200 homes and sheds have been destroyed. Three fire victims have died.
Meanwhile almost 50 fires are burning in Queensland, though firefighters are particularly focused on three which could threaten lives and homes when conditions worsen.
Nine homes have been destroyed in the state β eight of them in the Cobraball blaze, which is still burning out of control along a 30 kilometre front southwest of Yeppoon. About 11,000 hectares of land have been blackened in the area.
Two days ago, my family and I had to evacuate our home, and we only had 5 minutes to do so. I had to run and watch as all around me more fire began to spread, the sky was black with smoke and all you could hear was the deathly sound of the fire itself.
5 minutes is all it took for our entire property to burn.
"Most people who die in bushfires are caught in the open, either in cars or on foot, because they've left the property too late when fire is approaching."
If people warn you to leave your home GET OUT. Do not think you have time, you don't.
Remember your fire evacuation plan and look after everything living first. Material things can be replaced, lives cannot. Please keep aware of your surroundings. I cannot stress this enough.
Plan with your family, right now.
Where will you go if told to evacuate? (Plan several places and routes, in case some get blocked.)
What will you take with you? (Electronics, blankets, keepsakes etc.)
How to get where you need to go
The last photo is a photo of where our house was. A 4 year old lit that fire, and could have taken so many lives if our family didn't act quick.
Even if you are not from AUS, please share to make people aware of the situation and remind people to be safe and alert.
PLEASE BE SAFE AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ANYONE WHO IS OR WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGIC EVENT.
annaxmalina
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