Dear John and All, It was hot here yesterday. The temperature rose to 44.1��C and that is the hottest day we have had here since1939 January 13 when the temperature was recorded at 45.6��C.
I have nothing but respect for our volunteer firemen. On Thursday and Friday the temperature was in the mid to high thirties with relative calm winds. The firemen took this opportunity to back burn control lines around the large bushfires � the burnt area is now reaching approximately 4000 square kilometres � and this has largely confined the fires away from residential areas. Yesterday's conditions were a nightmare but there were only three or four break-outs from the control areas and these were soon brought back in control. However it's still tense in the areas where the fires are still burning. The country is dry after some five years of drought brought on by below average rainfall. The next crisis will occur next Wednesday when the predictions are for a hot (40��C) day with strong winds. In these conditions an uncontrolled bushfire can perpetuate itself with burning leaves and cinders that can start new fires at up to 10�kilometres ahead of the main fire front. Cheers, Pat Naughtin LCAMS Geelong, Australia
