Its burning.. Tasmania

My home state, my touch of paradise, my safe haven is on fire.  Not just a little fire either but one of huge size with devastating consequences.  Its summer in Tasmania and it is frightening.

Currently as I write this there are 39 fires burning across the state.  They are ranging from scrub fires to huge infernos which have already claimed over 100 homes and properties in the southern region.  There is a town called Tinderbox in Tassie and that's exactly what we are..a tinderbox that has been threatening to explode for a few years.

My Hub works for the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service and part of his job is fighting bushfire's.  For the past few years he and others have been waiting for the state to combust as all the rain we receive in the spring brings on the growth to ignite another fire season.  But it has taken to now.. this year.. to really burn.

We have all watched in horror as the fires are broadcast on TV and the stories of those who stayed and not evacuated are told.  We have spoken to friends and family and hear how they sheltered in their boats on the pristine waters of Tassies coastline as the fire raged .  We have been told it was surreal and like nothing they have ever witnessed before.  The intensity, the speed, the power of fire that can bring even the toughest person to their knees.

In Tasmania we have beautiful bush land.  Land that could tell many stories from years ago.  Some that has never even to this day been set upon by human feet.  It is breathtaking.  But it is also dry.  Eucalyptus trees dominate the landscape which combust with the natural oils they produce.  They produce the most beautiful smell when the leaves burn but not the smell we want at this time. 

The understory of our bushland is littered with debris.  Leaves, sticks, and plants all that provide the perfect nest and fuel for a fire to ignite. It takes just one bright spark from either lightening or some idiot to set the place alight.  Just one second of stupidity that can and has destroyed the lives of many families.  But we in Tassie are a tough bunch.  A resilient lot that can overcome most thrown our way.

I woke this morning to the overpowering smell of smoke enveloping our house.  It was so strong that I worried for the Ferals and animals.  The orange hue of the sun attempted to shine through the smoke filled sky.  Considering we are a long distance from the fires it still puts one on edge and alert.

Our house of mud is surrounded in bush.  To hear the wind rustle through the trees and to see the wildlife scurry around brings a sense of all is right to our little oasis.  But we are also on tank water thus no water to fight any embers that may blow our way.  We have a fire plan and that is to get out if we feel at all threatened.  I also think I may pack a bag of precious and important things just in case.  The ironic thing is that there is snow forecast on the mountains later this week.. that's Tassie weather.. 40 degrees one minute and snow the next.

I hope with all hope that the wind dies down and rain soaks this parched ground of Tasmania.  I will watch and wait to see where the next fires pop up.  I will truly admire the people of our little state who bravely battle to contain these wildfires on the ground and in the air with the helicopters. 

Trust me .. you ain't seen the last of Tasmania yet and although we may be singed and scorched, this state will rise from the ashes to once again be the jewel of Australia.

Ps:  Make that 40 fires burning....