Topic: Bushfire disaster messages of hope, thoughts and offers of assistance

[Jimmy Deguara]

We have received some messages of hope and gratitude from those overseas in particular as news items begin to portray the seriousnes of this disaster across the globe. Add your thoughts here ( even copy and paste soem of your thoughts from the main thread):

The following is from Gus George from the Long Island in the Unted States:

"I'm from the USA--Long Island --New York----May God Bless all those people that have lost there lives---people that have lost everything ---Homes--friends--- pets. I'm watching the latest pictures. What a disaster---Looks like those Super Heros call Firefighters doing all they can--Just Amazing. I came across one picture that it's to hard to believe from the wild a Firefighter last name Mr Tree sharing bottled water with a Koala. Just amazing under certain crisis how things change. Just amazing to me. Sorry to have taken your time for this note. Wish you all well and try to get back your lives back somehow. God Bless you Guys wish you well.

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Australian Severe Weather Forum

[Richary]

I have been working up in Brisbane the last 3 days, and one of the people I was with there comes from that part of Victoria and had lost two friends that she knows of. And then I read on the news this morning that someone lit another 2 last night. There are some things we maybe should have the death penalty for.

I am sure everyone is feeling for those people down there at the moment, and just hoping the death toll won't go as high as is being suggested.

I have been under ember attack once near Gosford - the local schoolkids had torched the hill at the end of the road about 10 houses away but for a change it was blowing our way. The firies put a backburn in at the bottom of the hill to stop it and all the neighbours were out in the street with embers falling around us. Luckily having about 20 firetrucks parked there as well made us feel a lot more comfortable than would otherwise have been the case.

[Jimmy Deguara]

I recevied this message from  Jim and Alicia Hansen  from the United States

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I have been watching all of the devistation in Australia with regards to these fires. It breaks my heart to see these animals suffering. Do you know of any volunteer organizations in the area that I could contact to help with the care of the effected animals? And where would I need to go in Australia?

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I suggested the RSPCA for a start but I am not sure how it will work?

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara

[Richary]

I had another one from a radio contact in London...

> I have been shocked to hear what has been happening in Australia with the bush fires. I hope that your family and friends have not been affected.

[Jimmy Deguara]

Another email:

We have friends in South Morang, Victoria.   Has this area been affected by te horrific fires please?
Best wishes to them all.

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Regars,

Jimmy Deguara

[Mike]

Tim from Arkansas re the fires:

'I've been following it through media coverage here in the US. It sickens me as well that people intentionally start fires that cause people to lose their lives and homes. Not to mention the impact that it has on nature. Prayers go out to those that have been affected. Hope they let up soon, You guys stay safe.'

[Mike]

And for one individual justice will be served.  Police have arrested one man in Victoria with arson causing death.  They're keeping his location secret for security reasons - (I say why?) and he fronts court Monday.  I have views but the forum is not the place to vent them, but I'm really pleased that this animal will be treated accordingly and severely.

[Richary]

Reading the news that the person arrested for lighting the Gippsland fire had also been charged with possession of child pornography led me to wonder if people who light bushfires may also have other psychological problems. A bit of googling found this interesting link from the Australian Institute of Criminology.

The BushFIRE arson bulletins are regular, concise and topical one-page sheets on a broad range of topics relating to the deliberate lighting of fires in Australian bushland environments. The BushFIRE arson bulletins aim to build a knowledge of all aspects of bushfire arson - who lights fires, why they do it and what authorities can do about it. They are also a forum for sharing new information about bushfire arson - such as developments in research and legislation, or new publications.

http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/bfab/

[Jimmy Deguara]

Richary,

There is absolutely no doubt that those that light fires have psychological problems. I am not as sure if their intent is to kill people on a mass scale as proposed rather than gain some attention in society but it is suggested that some of the fire bugs move on to become serial killers if not caught. Unfortunately these people have social and psychological issues and are often loners.

Any professionals in the field of arson or treating arsonists feel free to correct me or add to this discussion.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara