Californian Fires

[jazzer]

The news we are receiving in Australia is that 300,000 Californians have been forced from their homes by massive fires sweeping as far south as the Mexican border. Australia has endured massive bush fires (forest fires) in the past and we have endured the massive loss of life and property that these fires produce. Our heart goes out to all Californians having to endure these dreadful conditions and we pray that any loss of life if it occurs will be minimal.
Let us hope that the fires were not initiated by arsonists, like the low life in our country that seem to take pleasure in setting fires for some weird satisfaction and pleasure in seeing others fighting for their survival while the surrounding country is consumed in flames.

Hugs to all our Californian friends

[darkeyes]

Didn an still don kno bout this.. do know bout Oz tho Jazzer... 1ce on me way 2 me grans wiv me mum an dad we got held up an then turned back cosa forest fire (started deliberately) absolutely lethal an so unpredictable, cos ya neva know wich way the gonna move next wiv every lil shift of the wind. We don get em on ne thin like the scale of Oz or the US, but havin seen 1, an felt it on me face, smelled it up me nose an seen the devastation aftawords jus wonda wot sum arseholes think of wen they start summat so crazy..

Like Jazzer.. me heart goes out 2 all in its wake an hope that sum how it can b brought uda control an extinguished.

[MarieDelta]

The Fires here were not initiated by arsonist. But by gusting winds, blowing down an electrical line. Combined with dry weather and the same gusting Santa Anna winds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Ana_wind) coming from the East into the canyons of that area.


So, Hugs to all those from Malibu. :) My heart goes out to you.

[the mage]

Its another example of our inability to deal with the weather extremes we all have coming our way in time.
I feel bad for the home owners but theres a lot of dead animals out there too, feel for them as well.

It is the extremes in events and their increased frequency that is going to erode society over time.

At the same time as Cali burns, New Orleans is yet again under water.
It will be interesting to see how the rebuild goes forward and at what pace in California v/s New Orleans.
Beware people, insurance companies will stop paying eventually..
Do think about what a neighborhood looks like after the storms, and what if there is just no cash or local jobs to rebuild....Where do people go?

that IS the future..

[MarieDelta]

Update: I just heard this morning that two of the fires are suspected arson

I suspect that Malibu will be rebuilt faster than New Orleans by a long shot.

As far as Insurance Co's and their risk, well anywhere you live on this planet there is some risk. Whether it is fire, flood, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes or extreme cold.

it's part and parcell of living on this planet of ours, and that is why we have insurance. It's a good bet that insurance co's will continue to cover these places too, as long as there is money to be made.

[darkeyes]

Update: I just heard this morning that two of the fires are suspected arson

I suspect that Malibu will be rebuilt faster than New Orleans by a long shot.

As far as Insurance Co's and their risk, well anywhere you live on this planet there is some risk. Whether it is fire, flood, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes or extreme cold.

it's part and parcell of living on this planet of ours, and that is why we have insurance. It's a good bet that insurance co's will continue to cover these places too, as long as there is money to be made.

Dus wish sum peeps wud stop "arson" bout (sick pun.. soz)... fire fukkin dangerous an 2 unpredictable 2 play wiv... serve em rite if they get ther arses burnt off gettin caught up the the inferno they created!!

An re insurance companies always payin out so long as ther money 2 be made Marie.. they will..they will keep takin the dosh so long as its suits em. But already here peeps r findin it incresingly difficult 2 get insurance spesh if they liv on flood plains or in a lotta low lyin coastal areas. An if they can get a quote..its all 2 often so unreasonably ridiculous that its beyond the means of many 2 buy it!

[hillwalker54]

The fire and winds are certainly creating a terrible situation our our friends in CA.

My best wishes for the safety and health of all threatened by these fires, and to those heros fighting on the fire lines!

[SPBiGuy]

I am a So. Cal. resident with a house in the Lake Arrowhead fire area. This morning they issued a manditory evacuation notice to the residents of my immediate area of Crest Park. My house is between two fires, one to the east and one to the north-west and both of them are moving my way. Even though I'm off the mountain now and safe, the pain of the loss of so many is very much with me. I have seen this before during the wildfire of October 2003 that destroyed several thousand homes and a great deal of wild life. That fire came to within 1/2 mile of my house but so many others were not so lucky.

If any of you are interested, you can follow the progress and situation at http://www.rimoftheworld.net/ web site.

I'd like to thank all of you that have sent your prayers and well wishes to us. It means a lot to know there are so many people out there, all over the world, that really care. Thank you brothers and sisters from the bottom of my heart.

[arana]

Hope you and your family are ok and that your homes are still there when you go back, SPB.

We're up to a dozen fires here and there with little containment. Luckily the winds were down enough today so that aircraft could fly and make drops.

[onewhocares]

I echo the sentiments of those above and I wish only the best to our members in harms way. Just yesterday one of our members went to visit another member who is ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

[bigregory]

I hope you and yours are well Arena.

[fortyniner1]

My first thought when I saw the massive fires on TV was "How is Arana?" So to you my dear friend, please stay safe and I fervently pray that the weather changes enough to bring relief to the "hell on earth" and that all the local, state and federal assistance can help those in jeopardy.

:wiggle2:

[jazzer]

Since I first started this thread the conditions in California have deteriorated even further. The latest news here in Australia is that the fires have now forced the evacuation of 500,000 people and is the biggest evacuation in Californian history. The Governor has declared a state of emergency.
The drought conditons, high temperatures and strong winds have created a deadly cocktail. Australians are very familar with how these conditions can cause a massive fire storm and sweep all before it.
To all the brave men and women fighting these wildfires and to all our Californian friends at risk we pray that the weather conditions moderate soon so these deadly fires can be brought under control.
Hugs from your Aussie friends Downunder.

[darkeyes]

God Ran.. u jus keepyasel an me shoulder safe... jus neva occured ya wer so close..an ne of the rest ofya arseholes me luffs..