We're the lucky ones

THE initial horror of the havoc wreaked by the Victorian bushfires was starting to subside a little ... but not for long.

Weather forecasters warned of high winds last night and fire rescue teams were bracing themselves for a night of battle with the fires that continue to rage throughout the state.

A few days ago, temperatures in the late-20s coupled with strong winds were not something the rescue services round here really wanted to expect. New fires are still breaking out all over Victoria but fortunately, we've seen the grand total of ... none.

We've woken up this morning to not our usual view. We can't see the sea for smoke haze and the stench is choking. I dread to think how the crews were getting on with their containment lines while we all lay asleep in bed last night.

Not one to rest on my laurels, I'm keeping "bushfire alert" planted firmly in my mind. For the sake of the children, it will be kept in the darkest and deepest region but it's there all the same.

Today, temperatures are expected to hit 38 and then later tonight, we're looking at getting more high winds. The combination of the two is shocking. Any other natural disaster I've ever known are over within days, sometimes hours. The devastation caused by them is mindblowing and imcomprehendable but this disaster is going on and on an on.

In local towns and villages, we've come across wheelie bins outside shops that request donations to help bushfire victims get back on their feet. I was surprised to see these cash-filled collection points still in situ at the end of the day. Not one piece of chain or lock or security device had been put in place for its protection. Just the goodwill and kind spirits of those around is enough to deter any would-be thieves of any wrong doing.

The whole state and even country has united in this national and international ongoing trauma and it's one I, and fellow Australians, will remember for a long, long time.