I was recently contacted by a high school teacher in Western Australia, who said her year nine class was doing a project on the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, and having found my own diary entries on the ordeal, asked if I would be kind enough to read and respond to their reflections, as somebody who was […]
Victorian bush fires
I was living in Australia when the Victorian Bush fires - Australia's worst-ever natural disaster to date - obliterated a large chunk of Victoria. I was pretty much caught in the middle of it all. Although I didn't personally see the 1,000 foot high wall of fire, I evacuated where I was living and out-ran the smoke and fire by a hair. For the next few days I was safe, but literally surrounded by fires, with no chance to get out even if I wanted to.
For the next three weeks I was evacuated from my home, sleeping where and when I could, while helping the hundreds of fire survivors who had been bereft of everything (except their lives).
My Victorian Bush fires Diary became a piece of "Australian history" and is archived in the National Library of Australia.
After the Fires: Our Multi-Coloured Backyard
After being home for a few days in the wake of a month-long evacuation due to the Victorian bush fires, we hear/smell/feel/see something that makes our hearts sing: rain. It pours overnight, and drizzles through the next few days. Although naysayers worry about erosion and the negative long-term restorative effects of too much rain, we […]
Australian Bushfire Diary: February 24th – DAY EIGHTEEN
In this final entry of my Australian bushfire diary, I return home…to a place I’d only moved into 2 days before the fires.
Victoria Bush Fires Diary: February 20-22 – DAYS 14-16
Two weeks into the Victoria Bush Fires of 2009, I need to get away. Thankfully that chance comes, and I reflect on living in the present moment.
Victorian Bush Fire Diary: February 19th – DAY THIRTEEN
In this busy fire diary, I am heading back into the thick smoke after a brief break in Melbourne. Going back is very difficult.
Victorian Bush Fire Diary: February 18th – DAY TWELVE
In this fire diary: The roads are finally open and I take a drive through charred landscapes to visit some friends in Melbourne.
Victoria Bush Fire Diary: February 17th – DAY ELEVEN
On the 11th day of my Victoria bush fire diary, I start to wonder how long this will last. We are all feeling the effects of fatigue.
Victoria Bush Fire Diary: February 16th – DAY TEN
We’re still on high alert, but 10 days in, the Victoria bush fire is becoming a norm of sorts. Also a great news story involving goldfish.
Australian Bush Fire Diary: February 15th – DAY NINE
In day 9 of my Australian Bush Fire Diary, I check in on the home I’ve been evacuated from. But it’s still not safe to stay there.
Australian Bushfire Diary: February 14th – DAY EIGHT
We are over a week into the epic Australian bushfire of 2009, and things are unfortunately getting political at the relief warehouse. Also, a dramatic juxtaposition of photos.
Victorian Bushfires Diary: February 13th – DAY SEVEN
On Day 7 of the victorian bushfires, on february 13th, the warehouse we started is filling up with donations from around Australia.
Victorian BushFire Diary: February 12th – DAY SIX
On Day 6 of the Victorian Bushfire of 2009, I stay up all night writing an article for the Toronto Star on a tight deadline, and I’m a mess.
Victorian Bush Fires Diary: February 11th – DAY FIVE
On day five of the 2009 victorian bush fires diary, the warehouse is filling up with donations for fire survivors. It’s heart-warming.
Victorian Bush Fires: February 10th – DAY FOUR
We’re trying to spread some love to the traumatized survivors of the Victorian bush fires. This is Day 4 of my history-making diary.
Australian Bush Fire Diary: February 9th – DAY THREE
On day 3 of the Australian bush fire diary, I find myself face to face with the Prime Minister of Australia! I also sleep on a pub floor.
Victorian Bush Fire Diary: February 8th – DAY TWO
Victorian Bush Fire Diary: Sunday, February 10 th, 2009. Day 2 of a month-long chronicle of living amid the fires whilst evacuated.
Victorian Bush Fire Diary: February 7th – DAY ONE
On Feb 7th 2009, Australia saw it’s worst natural disaster. I was in the middle of it. Read on for the historic Victorian Bush Fire Diary.
