Australian Bushfires, a devastating start to 2020

I was planning on writing my first post for the year reflecting on 2019, or where to travel in 2020, but as many will have seen the Australian bushfires have been taking over social media. The effects so far have been devastating with bushfires ravaging our beautiful country in what is our worst fire season on record. I am beyond sad, and as I write this my heart is breaking. I have woken each morning since Christmas with a pit in my stomach in fear of the destruction that has been unleashed while I’ve slept. While natural disasters bring tragedy, they also can bring out the best in humanity. In the midst of the Australian bushfires Australians are working together to rescue the trapped, heal the wounded and feed the hungry. Everyday we hear reports of the brave heroes working tirelessly on the brutal frontline who have been fighting these fires without a break.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated, the current death toll stands at 27, which includes 4 firefighters, some volunteers, and approximately 1,500 homes have been destroyed by the horrific fires. The devastation is indescribable, with some regional areas reaching catastrophe level, being compared to the aftermath of an atomic bomb.

A desperate effort to save these little communities by residents who have been forced to either stay and defend or flee, and firefighters, many of them volunteers, has shown intense camaraderie and hope. There has been a lot of media cover and some absolutely heartbreaking stories and photos highlighting Australians’ astounding resilience and despite these truly heartwrenching moments, the true Aussie community spirit of never giving up is still alive and well. For many of these families it is not only their homes they have lost, it is their livelihoods as these areas are usually thick with tourists in the middle the holiday season.

Roads into and out of WA have been closed since Christmas day and remained closed for over two weeks, isolating an already insular population. And for the Eyre Highway, a major arterial supply road, the only sealed road linking two Australian capital cities in South Australia and Western Australia to be closed for so long will have an impact. With dozens of fully laiden trucks grounded some small towns ran out of supplies. Hundreds of locals and holiday makers were left stranded as the highway was closed due a fire in Norseman.

The massive fires are raging, and we appreciate the support from firefighters from America, Canada and New Zealand to help our fire crews battle the fires. Papua New Guinea have deployed over 1,000 soldiers and firefighters to assist. Oversees support from our nearby neighbour Vanuatu came in the form of an extremely generous VT20 million to assist the rural fire service. And so many are helping in whatever way they can, Dutch quilters are working together to sew mittens and pouches to assist the many koalas and kangaroos as they heal.

Over 12 million hectares have burnt, and 500 million animals have perished in the Australian bushfires. The world has been shocked by the scenes of devastation as the unprecedented destruction of Australia’s horror bushfire season rages on.

Near the big fires, entire communities are swamped in smoke. They can’t walk outside due to the thick smoke and visibility is limited if driving. But it’s also effecting larger and capital cities. To put into perspective the effects from the smoke, in New Zealand, some 2,000kms away, the skies glow an apocalyptic haze.

Most Australians, despite being all too familiar with fires, have never witnessed such devastation across our great land with such horrific loss of lives, and decimation of our beautiful wildlife and native flora. Some already threatened species are now feared to be under threat of extinction. Until the fires subside, the full extend remains unknown, but it is predicted the heartbreaking loss could be as high as 1.25 billion. The impact on mammals, birds and reptiles will take decades to recover and for many endangered species of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, gliders, potoroos, cockatoos and honeyeaters their continued existence is tenuous.

The fire season was in full swing by the second week in November with 2019 being recorded as the hottest and driest on record. Rainfall deficiencies and soaring temperatures have exacerbated the drought and created prime conditions for a prolonged inferno. The drought and bushfire ravaged areas of NSW and Victoria have been hit hard by ferocious and catastrophic fires over the Christmas/New year period. Australia is a dry continent and has been prone to deadly bushfires for centuries. But this has been a hot, dry season and extreme temperatures that accelerate evaporation, dry out land and make already-arid Australia a tinderbox. Lightening was predominantly responsible for the bushfire crisis resulting from dry lightening storms. Several fires were sparked by power lines falling on grass during catastrophic fire conditions and extreme winds quickly spreading embers and pushing flames. Currently firefighters are hopeful of a reprieve in weather conditions, with lighter winds and cooler temperatures needed. But the rains need to be widespread, dumping above average rainfalls to have an impact. The country remains braced for what the remainder of the season will bring as we prepare for the years and decades ahead it will take to recover.

Rebuilding is a daunting process and many can barely see an end in sight to the nightmare that is rebuilding their lives, their homes and their livelihoods. Pretty tourist towns have been decimated, and tight knit communities are bonding even closer. Whole towns have been wiped out, too many lives have been lost and a state of disaster has been declared in Victoria. Before and after photos are showing the deep destruction these raging fires have caused.

In NSW 5 lives have been lost, 3.6 million hectares has burned with 1,298 homes confirmed destroyed. In Victoria 4 people have died, 766,000 hectares burned and 68 structures confirmed destroyed. South Australia has confirmed 3 people deceased, 60,000 hectares burned and 88 homes destroyed. Queensland has had 250,000 hectares burned and 45 homes destroyed. Western Australia 1.2 million hectares burned with no lives lost and only 1 home destroyed. Even Tasmania has not escaped the ferocity of fire with 8,000 hectares burned and 1 home destroyed.

Many will have already heard that 2 people lost their lives on Kangaroo Island and the luxury resort, Southern Ocean Lodge has been lost. Despite the devastation caused by the bushfires, with loss of lives and flora and fauna being hit particularly hard, it’s also the island’s tourism that is going to struggle through the ongoing crisis.

Conditions throughout the country are continuously changing with sections of roads closing and reopening periodically and the fire emergencies continue. Residents and holiday makers in the fire threatened areas are being urged to remain vigilant and calm and to have a supply of fuel, fully charged mobile phone, water and snacks at the ready.

Australia is historically a donor rather than a recipient, and the rest of the world is watching, many with their hands digging deep into their pockets. Many are asking what they can do to help the victims of the Australian bushfires and support firefighters as Australian communities are having their lives, homes and animals destroyed as fires tear through regional areas.

The Salvation Army, Australian Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul Society and Foodbank have launched a disaster appeal supporting those affected by the bushfire devastation. Teams are providing meals to evacuees and frontline responders. Specialist emergency volunteers are also providing psychological first aid, and helping people get in contact with their loved ones. Monetary support to contribute towards food, bills and unexpected expenses like clothing, bedding and furniture will assist those affected rebuild their lives.

Displaced residents and emergency service workers are being assisted through a program initiated through Airbnb where selfless hosts have opened their hearts and homes to support them.

But it’s also everyday items people are being urged to donate. Firefighters and bushfire victims need bottled water, Gatorade, Powerade, energy drinks, eye drops, muesli bars, burn creams, band-aids, eye wash, nasal wash, lip balm, canned tuna, hand sanitizer, milk powder, fruit cups, long life fruit juice and sugar. Australians are being urged to purchase items like generators, extension cords, matches, candles and batteries to donate.

Celebrities are doing their bit and offering assistance, Celeste Barber organizing a Facebook donation page that raised over $36,000,000 in 3 days from as far away as Romania. P!nk, Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue have both donated $500,000 and James Packer has pledged $5 million to the bushfire relief. Jessica Mauboy is holding a benefit and the Wiggles will reunite for an Australian bushfire relief concert. Other large donations have been $1m from Chris Hemsworth, Kylie Jenner and Elton John. Leonardo DiCaprio has donated a whopping $4.3 million. But the largest I have heard is the $70 million pledge for bushfire relief and recovery from mining billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest.

All this publicity is a double edged sword. Raising awareness of the devastation by celebrities is the best way to bring in the much needed donations, but it’s also increasing the impact the crisis will have on our countries tourism with many overseas tourist choosing not to come to the fire effected areas. I truly hope when the fire season is over and regeneration is in full swing these same celebs get on their social media and ask everyone to continue their support and come pay us a visit. Our economy and tourist have been hit for a six and the talk needs to be about Australia’s ability to flourish in the wake of mass devastation and despite the massive kick in the guts many communities have taken, already good news stories and photos of regeneration are coming through. The effected areas need to get back to ‘business as usual’ as quickly as possible to recover. To help remind you what some of the these beautiful areas have to offer, take a look at the magic of Mallacoota before it was ravaged.

I am beyond proud to be Australian. To see the Aussie spirit that always shines brightest at times like this when individuals and communities rally together, providing whatever support they can makes me so so bloody proud. The fire season in Australia is always ferocious, but this year it has left an indelible scar on the country.

Strong winds and catastrophic high temperature have hampered attempts to fight the fires, spreading burning embers. It is currently feared if the strong winds and high temperatures persist new blazes could be sparked in the Blue Mountains.

This is an incredibly challenging time due to the absolute crisis created by the severe to extreme conditions but as always Australians are coming together to support each other. Everyday comes news reports of devastation, loss of life, homes destroyed and upheaval to communities. But they will keep moving forward. The crisis has seen Australians at their finest, fighting the fires, caring for each other. It’s wonderful to see how devastation brings out the best in people, even those in need themselves going above and beyond to help those that are in need.

I’m not going to get into the discussion over climate change and the effects on our vulnerable ecosystems or discuss the blame in the political debate. This is not the time. I am gong to focus on the things that mean the most. The kindness, love and support that is helping Australian communities get through this tough time. I am sad, but I am so humbled to hear the uplifting, good new stories that are coming out of this horrible situation.

But what do you do if you have a trip planned? Once these areas have assessed the damage and began to rebuild their lives they will very much appreciate the tourist dollar being spent. Keep in mind the impact from loss of tourism for these communities as they begin to rebuild. Instead of avoiding these areas, please consider a holiday or road trip around the regions. Go spend some money in these communities as they rebuild. Stay in the hotels, order from their cafes, stock up your eskies and picnic baskets with local produce. They will need all the support they can get to help them get back on their feet. Until then, if you are planning a visit to the southeast areas between Sydney and Melbourne in the imminent future you will have to check with your accommodation for the latest update, to see if they are one of the bushfire-hit areas and are still under evacuation orders.

Although the media presentation of the fires and headlines like “Australia is on fire” sounds like there is nowhere safe from the fires, please remember Australia is huge. Australia is burning, and has been for many months, but there are many, many areas not effected or under threat. Many beautiful tourist areas like the Whitsunday Islands, Broome, Darwin, the Kimberley region and Margaret River are unaffected, so you may want to change your itinerary. Check with your booking agent and travel insurance provider to investigate any potential changes you may need to make.

Some areas of NSW South Coast are welcoming tourists back after having been closed to visitors since the towns were destroyed New Year’s Eve, but the National Parks will remain closed until February. Ask people in the destination you are headed. Take advice from friends of family you will be visiting, asking if you should change or continue with your plans. But please don’t cancel them. Email the local tourist information centre or even contact some of the many travel bloggers throughout the country. Check the weather forecasts, have a fire plan and keep people informed of your schedule and itinerary. The bottom line is, it is your decision if you continue now or defer your plans. But please be safe.

Now this is not the first major fire and we know it won’t be the last. There are a lot of people who have lost everything, except their lives and as I write this, the crisis is not over. It will take many months to complete the arduous task of calculating the enormity of the loss of property and stock. But the good news is, even though the fires still continue, some areas are already showing signs of regeneration. Even without any rain, the life cycle continues with new growth bursting through the blackened bark.

And all whilst parts of our country are being reduced to ashes, one decade has closed and another begun. It was not the usual celebration to the New Year as our thoughts are with the many people who have lost loved ones, their homes and the millions of mammals, birds and reptiles who have died and are still perishing in the Australian bushfires. True, its not been a happy start to the New Year but please don’t forget to share the good news stories and share your tourist dollar as soon as you can. One such good news story is about the owner of an uninsured home destroyed by the fires winning $1 million Lotto. Now instead of only having some charred teacups as their belonging the win is enabling them to rebuild.

Please check out this beautiful tribute to the Australian bushfires. Song Credit: I am Australian sung by Dami Im, Jessica Mauboy, Justice Crew, Nathaniel, Samantha Jade & Taylor Henderson. Written by Bruce Woodley of The Seekers and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers.

Seeing all the donations coming in and Australians standing together, supporting each other in the face of such devastation and adversity makes me proud to be Australian. But to all the firefighters and volunteers, a huge thank you. You guys are the true hero’s. #notallheroswearcapes

What are some of the stories that have humbled you? Will you be planning a trip through these areas when they begin to rebuild?

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* This post contains photos obtained from social media and news sources Getty Images, 10 News First, Daily Mail Australia and I am not claiming any of them as my own.