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Fire update
Feb. 8th, 2009 06:21 pmI'm seeing lots of messages on my flist regarding the fires in Victoria - ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
lilacsigil and I are safe, our region is one of the few that doesn't have an immediate fire danger. We're watching the news and have our evacuation plan ready to go, but I don't think we'll be affected, this time.
It's pretty dire. Townships have been obliterated. These are towns that are two or three times the size of my hometown. The death toll stands at sixty six at the moment, but is expected to climb as contact is made with people cut off by the fires. (ETA: Eighty four dead, at 10pm tonight.)
Some links that might help if you're looking for up to date information, or for fundraising appeals:
The Country Fire Authority is asking that we not hit their website unless we're in immediate danger, as their servers are dangerously overloaded. (That's cfa.vic.gov.au but please don't go there for curiousity's sake.) The same goes for the Department of Sustainability and Environment (dse.vic.gov.au), we want those sites accessible for those who need them right now. If you're looking for information, try the Wikipedia entry, which is up to date and accurate. Alternatively, try The Age, one of the larger newspapers in Melbourne.
The ABC (our BBC) is collating offers of accomodation for people and animals here. People are offering spare rooms, tents, yards for dogs, paddocks for horses, everything possible.
The Red Cross Victoria Bushfire Appeal: Donate here. At the moment, they're asking that you don't donate goods, as they're assessing what their needs will be.
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melbournemaniac, Wildlife Victoria's contact line is 1300 094 535. If you find animals that have fled the fires and are burned or in distress, this number will put you in touch with volunteer animal workers to assist you. Don't call it unless you actually have an injured animal - resources are stretched at the moment. If you want to donate, you can do that here.
And as in any crisis, the Blood Bank is on high alert. If you can donate blood, please do. If you're in Victoria, the number to call is 13 14 95 in working hours, or The Australian Red Cross Blood Service website can hook you up with your nearest location.
Thank you, everyone, for keeping us in your thoughts.
lilacsigil and I are safe, our region is one of the few that doesn't have an immediate fire danger. We're watching the news and have our evacuation plan ready to go, but I don't think we'll be affected, this time. It's pretty dire. Townships have been obliterated. These are towns that are two or three times the size of my hometown. The death toll stands at sixty six at the moment, but is expected to climb as contact is made with people cut off by the fires. (ETA: Eighty four dead, at 10pm tonight.)
Some links that might help if you're looking for up to date information, or for fundraising appeals:
The Country Fire Authority is asking that we not hit their website unless we're in immediate danger, as their servers are dangerously overloaded. (That's cfa.vic.gov.au but please don't go there for curiousity's sake.) The same goes for the Department of Sustainability and Environment (dse.vic.gov.au), we want those sites accessible for those who need them right now. If you're looking for information, try the Wikipedia entry, which is up to date and accurate. Alternatively, try The Age, one of the larger newspapers in Melbourne.
The ABC (our BBC) is collating offers of accomodation for people and animals here. People are offering spare rooms, tents, yards for dogs, paddocks for horses, everything possible.
The Red Cross Victoria Bushfire Appeal: Donate here. At the moment, they're asking that you don't donate goods, as they're assessing what their needs will be.
From
melbournemaniac, Wildlife Victoria's contact line is 1300 094 535. If you find animals that have fled the fires and are burned or in distress, this number will put you in touch with volunteer animal workers to assist you. Don't call it unless you actually have an injured animal - resources are stretched at the moment. If you want to donate, you can do that here.And as in any crisis, the Blood Bank is on high alert. If you can donate blood, please do. If you're in Victoria, the number to call is 13 14 95 in working hours, or The Australian Red Cross Blood Service website can hook you up with your nearest location.
Thank you, everyone, for keeping us in your thoughts.