Summer rains

A series of large storm fronts trundled across the state of Victoria over the last week resulting in flooding, wind damage, and grass fires.

Here in the Western Districts, and very close to home for me (too close to home for me), we experienced the lot.

An enjoyable afternoon by a friend’s pool was cut short by lightning strikes starting a grassfire nearby. Luckily it was under control within a couple of hours and the continuous rain helped.

A couple of hours later two more alerts showed more fires, luckily one was a false alarm and the other was small so it was put out quickly. CFA (Country Fire Authority, for anyone not from Victoria ) crews from all around the area are always greatly appreciated when they appear on the scene.

The storms continued for a couple more days with varying intensity, affecting different parts of the state to varying degrees but thankfully it seems to have come to an end for now.

The moral of the story, I suppose, is to be prepared for all eventualities. A ‘bug out’ bag should be prepared, or at the very least be aware of where everything you may need is, and have a plan for when you will leave and which ways you are able to leave. In this case this time I would have had three or four different ways out away from a fire front, but in the case of a larger fire that may be less.

A bag was packed, the dog was kept where I could see her, a lead and her food, bottles of water, long pants and sturdy boots were all ready to go. Luckily, this time, none of that was needed but it was prepared. Our plan is to take the dog and get out as soon as there is any danger.

As you can see from the picture above, grasses die right back here in summer, good fuel for a fire. If you think a grass fire is nothing to worry about, think again.

Be safe, be prepared.

Til next time!