A giant fire closes in on farm buildings, 125 kilometres west of Victoria’s capital city Melbourne, on February 7, 2009. More than 40 blazes raged across two states on that day as a once-in-a-century heatwave pushed the temperatures up to 46°C (115°F) Black Saturday Recount
By Ioan Thomas The fire that hit Victoria on “Black Saturday” was one that had never been seen in Australia before. Victoria had gone through “Ash Wednesday” in 1983 and “Black Friday” in 1939. Australia’s capital city, Canberra, was badly damaged in 2004 by bushfires, with over 500 houses destroyed and four people killed. In 1994 Sydney was badly hit with 225 houses destroyed, 8000 square kilometres burnt out and four people killed. However, those fires dwarfed into insignificance after the ferocious fireball hit Victoria, cutting a swath of destruction through the state. Over 200 people have been killed, 2000 houses destroyed and millions of animals and wildlife annihilated. This was a casualty rate never experienced before in Australia’s peacetime history. … Mr Kevin Tolhurst, Melbourne University Senior Lecturer in Fire Ecology and Management, said the inferno was estimated to have been equal in power to 500 Hiroshima atomic bombs, generating 80,000 kilowatts per metre of flame front. Temperatures were said to be in excess of 1200 degrees. … Austrailian fires: What about the animals? There are fires. And there are infernos. When the blaze towers 100 to 200 feet and moves more than 60 miles per hour, it creates its own weather; people trying to speed away in cars can’t escape. What chance do Koalas, kitties and livestock have? A slim one. But against all odds, in the charred trail of the worst bush fire in Australia’s history, volunteers, veterinarians and survivors are binding up the wounds of some of the most innocent victims of all, the birds and animals. For my friend Faith Weyer, this news is personal – she once called Australia home. Friends from ground zero keep her posted as best they can by e-mail. "It just breaks my heart. Last night they showed a Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo baby burned & struggling in pain – Can’t even see to type for the tears, it’s just so sad." … Faith’s friend who teaches in Wangaratta writes: "Hello Faith, Yes, we’re still here. The fires have been catastrophic as you have learnt. Last Saturday the temperature rose to 115 degrees, with a strong wind. There are several towns virtually wiped out. If it had happened during a school day I hate to think what the losses of life would have been – bad as they are. The wildlife destruction has been huge. So far, the Healesville Sanctuary is a survivor, though they did move lots of their animals. "As I listen, there is a program on radio about care for injured wild life – vets are giving their services free. The best you can do is to go into the web site of Wildlife Victoria. It is www.wildlifevictoria.org.au. You will find a section for international donations on their web page. … Surviving wildlife face starvation – there is little or no habitat to return to. At least four wildlife shelters have been wiped out, meaning Wildlife Victoria – a not-for-profit, volunteer-based group has their work cut out for them. … Also on scene, the International Fund for Animal Welfare – team leader Tania Duratovic reports from Whittlesea in her blog (at www.animalrescueblog.org/2009/02/bushfire-update.html#more. "Driving through the affected area is surreal. The Australian bush has been replaced by a blackened wasteland… As one person recounted as they handed over a slightly burned ring-tailed possum, "We have lost our house, our neighbours and our pets but we found this little guy alive – please help him, I just want him to live." Young wombat under distress in an Australian burn zone. (U.S. Forest Service) Thirsty Wombat Found In Australian Burn Zone Australian vets treat victims of deadly Victorian bushfires …In another media release, Dr. Roslyn Nichol, AVA Victorian Division president reports that victim numbers are “enormous” and says pets, farm animals and wildlife are suffering. "The effect the fires can have on non-domestic animals that shun human contact often results in a slow and agonizing death," the release says. … To donate to rescue and relief efforts, visit http://www.animalaid.com.au, https://www.redcross.org.au/Donations/onlineDonations.asp and http://rspcavic.org.
AVA compiled a list of organizations providing assistance at http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/publications/update/aha-fire-and-flood-update/aha-fire-and-flood-update_home.cfm#story_4. IFAW: Wildlife Fire Survivors Not Forgotten WHITTLESEA, Australia, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Since arriving on the scene last Tuesday, February 10, The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s (IFAW – www.ifaw.org ) Emergency Relief team has worked with local community, vets, the authorities and wildlife groups to help close to 100 animals affected by the Victorian fires so far. The number of animals being brought in for treatment has risen dramatically over the past few days as survivors emerge from the fire zones in search of food and water. Many have terrible burns, dehydration and wounds from fleeing the fires. Search and rescue operations are also being conducted as previously unsafe areas are being opened up. With so many animals being brought in for treatment the team has converted an old footy shed into an intensive care unit. "Many local residents are bringing animals to us for treatment; there is a strong desire for these innocent creatures to survive. Seeing animals getting help seems to be offering some sense of hope and comfort to people who have lost a lot because of the fires," said Tania Duratovic, IFAW Emergency Responder. "Anyone who has suffered burns knows how excruciating the pain is and animal burns hurt just as badly as human burns, pain relief for these animals is an absolute priority." …