Major bushfires in Victoria (again) - hope Varag's ok.

[Swash]

The bushfires are worse then they've been other years.  96 dead at last count, the number expected to go up as crews are able to get into affected areas.

Marysville's wiped out, though thankfully almost everybody got out.  http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25024427-2,00.html  I went on a weekend holiday there a year ago.  It was so beautiful there.  A local artist had laid out a huge garden and filled it with sculptures, it was amazing.  All gone.  (http://www.brunosart.com/ to see what used to be there)

There are still fires out of control all over the place.  Here's a map.  http://www.theage.com.au/national/urgent-threats-20090208-80k1.html  I'm near Shepparton, by way of reference.  Varag lives down in Melbourne.  But he'll be out in the middle of those fires somewhere right now.  Hoping he comes out of this ok, and not just physically.

[Brugdor]

I read there are arsonists running around resetting the fires. I hope they catch them and put them away for life.  :beadyeyes:

[Bubonic]

I sent Varag a message on Facebook today.  He's ok, but totally flat-out.  He's still working on his local fires so it will no doubt be a tough week for him.

For anyone in Australia wishing to help out, but is a bit strapped, just do your week's shopping on Friday at any Coles/Bi Lo/etc as they're donating all profits from Friday 13 Feb to the Red Cross to assist bushfire victims.

Press release:  http://202.3.44.137/about/news/documents/Coles%20donates%20profits%20to%20bushfire%20appeal.pdf