by meganne 07 Jan 2020

I have tried several times to write this and share our New Year's eve events with you, but our brush with the bushfires seems so minor now, compared to so many others who have lost everything.

We first knew about the fire here, called the Charmhaven Fire, around 10:30 in the morning. At various times during the day, we congregated out front of our houses with many of our neighbours, talking, waiting and watching the enormous plumes of smoke, 1km away, as it shifted and changed directions, first one way then another, all the while the water carrying helicopter was dropping bucket after bucket loads of water on it and the smoke would go from black to white as it looked liked the chopper was winning.

The winds were coming from the North blowing the fire away from us, but I had heard the weather report the night before, when they had predicted a southerly change for later in the day and this played on my mind, so I kept telling everyone, over and over, that we needed to be prepared. And while everyone argued, (nicely) with me that the wind wouldn't swing 180 degrees, some of them did actually start putting things in their cars.

Ray and I started packing essential items in the car and one neighbour lent me a long, large cage for my cats as I was worried if things went bad their normal carry cases wouldn't make good long term accommodation for them. I came inside and turned the tv on and our fire was being talked about at the Rural Fire Control Centre on National tv as it was heading towards homes to the South of us. Next thing there was a monstrous noise and the house started to shake and it was the huge Fire Retardant Plane flying right over our house as it banked to drop the life saving pink retardant on the homes at Woongarah.
My nerves were on a knife edge and neither Ray or I could eat and I kept grabbing more items we might need, as I thought of them, I closed all the windows and all the internal doors, making sure I knew where my boys were so I could grab them easily.
Going out the back checking where the smoke was, watching our next door neighbours setting up a tent, for a party, in their back yard and thinking how stupid that was. The waiting was terrible.

Some time around 7:30pm I unwillingly dozed off in my chair only to wake up with a start around 8:15pm and as I looked out through our side French doors I could see smoke, heavy smoke, and I knew!!!

I flew out onto the back verandah and could feel the southerly and taste the smoke.

Then I saw a large burning ember float down onto our back lawn and it didn't go out.

I screamed out to Ray, (who was still sitting inside totally oblivious), to grab the hoses NOW! Mercifully he didn't argue (for a change) but loped off downstairs and outside in what seemed like ages, I finally had the hose in my hand and started dousing the house like a crazy woman.... while Ray was doing the same downstairs....
our house has a timber verandah around three sides, with timber posts, and all our windows and four sets of French doors are all timber, as well as the trim above the doors, the stairs and the all the framework underneath our verandah roof. We also have two large leather lounges, out there, and an old fabric chair. I hosed everything in sight, all the time watching across the river as first one tree caught alight, then another, then a whole section was alight and I could our neighbours leaving

I yelled out to Ray that we had to go, and I dropped to hose and ran inside to grab my boys, taking them one at a time, downstairs to put in the cage inside the car, then I ran around turned off the air-conditioner, grabbed my handbag & phone, and as I looked out the window I quickly snapped one photo. I ran to the garage roller door and opened it while Ray climbed into the car and pushed the start button..........
nothing happened
the battery was dead and I just couldn't believe it,
all our plans, all our preparations, watching and waiting for over 10 hours and we were stuck!!!

Thank God the Firefighters arrived and parked right across our driveway, they told us we couldn't leave now anyway as it was too late, just stay inside.

That was all we could do.

As the embers rained down all over our house and inside filled up with smoke, choking us and burning our eyes, I imagined the house was on fire already, (I had never even thought of smoke getting inside the house) and I called my sister, basically to say good-bye. As the smoke inside worsened I was worried about my boys breathing and, right or wrong, we put a fan in front of the car to try and keep them cool and blow the smoke away.
We were helpless and couldn't see what was happening outside where the brave firefighters were standing their ground trying to keep our house from burning, at one stage I heard the water hit our back doors and I was relieved to know they were still there.

Then it was all over. One of them knocked on our door and said the danger had passed and they were moving on to try and get ahead of it. We just had to keep watch for stray embers from the fires smouldering across the river.
I stayed up all night and took several photos of the night sky at 3:30 AM, which turned out to be in the trees in the next street.

I have never had a meltdown before, but I did that night, through sheer frustration and anger.... We had heard, in the morning, that the fire had been started by teenagers and thinking of that, as we were trapped inside, just made me so angry.
I have always said I would never pray for myself, only for others, but I prayed that night for the four of us get through it alive.

We have since found out that three teenagers were 'supposedly' smoking a bong in the bush, and 'supposedly' started the fire by accident... This, on a day of Extreme fire danger when no open flame is allowed outside. Detectives are investigating but if they are teens they'll probably get off with a warning, under our Young Offenders Act. (STUPID and unfair)

I ended up being awake for 36 hours straight as I was just too wound up inside.
Inside our house and car smells of smoke, but that is the least of it. The bushland across the river is now dying, where before it was lush and green all the leaves that didn't burn and now dried out and will soon all fall off. There are no signs of life since the first day, when all the birds were screaming out for hours on end and it broke my heart to hear their cries. It was a breeding ground for a multitude of birds, and the Kookaburras had embraced the breeding boxes put up for them just two years ago. Now the silence is deafening and I cry every time I look over there.
I have waited every day for my precious water dragons to swim across for their feed of bananas but so far I have only seen three and one of them I think had been burned as it came out of the water, tried to eat, then rushed back into the waters edge and was panting in a strange way. She hasn't come back and sadly they are not tame so I couldn't get near her if she did. I just have to pray that some of the parent birds and animals have moved on, to the bushland further west, and they might return when this regenerates.

I'll try and add some photos of our fire, some from downriver, just around the bend, and some of the night sky.

Please remember this one thing when you hear, or read, about Australia being on fire.....
Police have so far made 183 arrests of Arsonists, mostly children and teens, who have DELIBERATELY started fires and that accounts for three quarters of the fires currently burning.
Nearly all the fires are along the coastlines where it is mostly populated by humans.
There has even been talk that there may be a conspiracy to do this to prove that Climate Change is responsible. This is going to be investigated.

Photos 1-4 one street to our left around the bend in the river heading our way
#5 Looking through our dining room window at 8:35PM 31/12/2019
#6 The night sky at 3:30AM 1/01/2020
#7 Our little fire, 418 hectares (1,033 acres), burnt out. The fire started on the peninsular, on the right hand side where it says Pacific Highway, it went west, then south, then turned back and headed north and kept on going to Wyee Road 8kms, (5 miles) away. Our house is where the binoculars are.

The last three photos are across the river 01/01/2020 it looks even worse now as the dried out leaves are now all brown.

This was scary enough, but others had and are still having it far worse than we did. We, ourselves, lost nothing except our peace of mind and it has brought the reality home to us of just how badly other people must be suffering.
Thank you for reading my novel
Huge hugs to my friends here who have texted, messaged and emailed me. I am extremely grateful for your ongoing love, friendship and support.

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Comments (26)

by kustomkuddle 13 Jan 2020

My heart goes out to you and all those in Australia. Having never gone through anything like that, I can not even begin to imagine the myriad of emotions you are going through. Prayers for all involved. Hugs.

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by noah 12 Jan 2020

Well i am glad God was watching over you and yours He is so good praying for rain Big Hugs xxx

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by meganne 13 Jan 2020

Thank you Carolyn, sending prayers for you and John also. Rain is forecast for Thursday.
Huge hugs, Meg

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by tachau 10 Jan 2020

malgré la grande distance qui nous sépare mon coeur est près de vous
Danielle de france

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by meganne 13 Jan 2020

C'est un beau sentiment, merci beaucoup. Câlins et roses, Meganne xxxxx

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by irenewayne 09 Jan 2020

Meg I'm so glad that you Ray & fur babies are ok. What a devastating experience for you all as for everyone. Please take time to rest so you can overcome this trauma in time. Take care my friend & God bless

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by meganne 09 Jan 2020

I apologise for not replying to each individual Cutie, I sincerely appreciate all your messages, love and support.
I have been suffering terrible headaches the last few days and I just can't seem to sleep for more than two hours at a time and all everyone here talks about is the fires, and there are so many tragic stories.
I think most Aussies are in a state of shock as these fires are unprecedented in Australia's recorded history I took more photo's yesterday as all the leaves are now dying off and it breaks my heart that there hasn't been many birds or animals visible and it is so quiet, yet looking across the river, as the sun sets behind the bushland, it looks like nothing has changed and it is still lush.
Ray and I are trying to stay busy and letting other people talk helps them cope too.
Tomorrow an SES volunteer is planning to come here and go out in our little boat with Ray, to get some photos along the river, which he will share with the authorities assessing the damage.

On the weekend our local Community Facebook Group organised a food collection day and it was awesome to see the amount of feeding stations that were set up in the bush to feed any surviving wildlife. They plan to keep doing this for as long as it takes.

We've had a couple of rain showers, which is great because any more than showers would have seen the runoff washing ashes and debris into the waterways, as it is the rain has been absorbed and yesterday someone posted a photo of some grass shooting up through the ashes. It is so heartening.

The sad news is that the Kangaroo Island fire roared back into life and that means more Koalas, and other wildlife, are again under threat. Today, Friday, is predicted to be another EXTREME fire danger day, so many of the fires still burning will regenerate.

Your prayers, for rain in all the bushfire zones, are so truly appreciated.
Hugs n much love, Meg

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by pennifold 09 Jan 2020

Thanks, Meg, I'm so glad you posted your story about this. I'm still in the Hunter and will be back next week.
You know you, Ray, Tao and Tiddles haven't been out of my thoughts. I'm so thankful for our Firemen, they are the real heroes.
My heart aches for the enormous loss of over half a million of our native fauna, it's just devastating. It's going to take decades to renew. Love Chris

by meganne 09 Jan 2020

🥰 I tried calling you last night, nothing urgent, figured you were away. Will catch up when you get back.

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by stock 09 Jan 2020

it must have been very scarey for you, glad you are alright, we just have the smoke, on the radio this morning they say there are not enough telephone poles in Aus. to replace the burnt ones. you can't see how it will all end, maybe every year is going to be like this......wendy

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by basketkase 08 Jan 2020

Loss for words.......devastating for all living creatures.....so glad you and Ray and your babies are safe......this makes my soul hurt!

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by mrskiki 08 Jan 2020

So glad to hear you are safe. I know how you feel-we went through terrible fires in 2011. Know that we here in America are praying for your country. Also praying for those who may have caused this terrible destruction. Hugs. Nan

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by teddybear117 08 Jan 2020

Glad you are safe. How scary for you but glad with all my heart you are o.k. I have been following all that is going on. A friend who visited someone next door to me for 3 weeks years ago has been posting on FB what the people and animals of Australia have had to endure. She left an imprint on my heart and I hope we will be able to see each other again. Such a sweet lady. While some say it has started to rain she says there has been no rain where she is at. I hope you aren't in that area. From what I understand it isn't only the fires, although the fires made it worse, it's the lack of water. That you have had a drought that we in the States have never known. I hope something changes for the good for Australia. Take care and stay safe. I can't begin to imagine what you and the people and animals have gone through.

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by marianb 08 Jan 2020

Meg so glad you Ray and Kitties are all safe, it is so upsetting to think that kids and STUPID kids at that started so many of these fires there needs to be changes to our laws to deal with this type of crime. I do like your storage idea for our valued paperwork and photo's ect. I will have to do this for all of mine as there is only so much you can carry. We were very lucky so to speak in our section South West of Sydney not to have anything closer than aprox 20km burning just the low thick smoke. Hugs for you all Marian

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by sewtired 08 Jan 2020

Thank you Meg for sharing your story and pictures with us. How infuriating that some of these fires were deliberately set. I had not heard this in any of the news coverage to date. I'm so glad that you and Ray and kitties and house etc. are currently safe and pray that you stay that way. This was such a terrifying experience and I'm so sorry that you had to experience it. It's so sad that so many have lost so much and your country too. I've heard that millions of animals have died. It's just heartbreaking.

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by mariagiannina 07 Jan 2020

Dear Meg, I am glad you and hubby and the cats are safe. We have friends in Bairnsdale, and they were keeping us up to date with what was happening in their area, it was so scary, and my heart aches for those poor people who have lost everything, and the animals.
We have been watching it on the TV, we are in FNQ.
Our laws HAVE to change, these kids cannot be let get away with it with just a slap on the wrist!!
These fires have NOT been caused by climate change, that is utter BS!
I am not very good with words, but please know that we are thinking of you.
Mary C.

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by barba 07 Jan 2020

My heart cries for all the devastation caused by these fires. I am so sorry for all the torment the people, poor animals and birds are going through. This just breaks my heart. People trying to push their agenda makes me so mad! They care not who they hurt to get their own way and try to force their opinion on others. So glad you, your husband and cats are safe. Your pictures are terrifying. You are braver than you know. You were praying and praying is always perfect. God listened. I will continue to pray for these fires to be contained soon. Hugs and Blessings, Barba

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by maleah 07 Jan 2020

Dear Meg, As I read your story, I cried, I got mad and I prayed. I am so grateful that you, your husband and cats are well. I am so grateful that you have the gift to write and post these pictures. Please turn this into a book...I will continue to pray that your wild life will come back,, too. God Bless..

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by shirley124 07 Jan 2020

Dear Meg. I am so grateful you, your hubby, cats and house are safe. What a terrifying experience you have had. I do not think I could have been as brave as you. Someone was looking down on you when your car would not start and the fire truck turning up just at that time. Take time now and rest up. Big Tassie hugs, Shirley

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by dragonflyer 07 Jan 2020

Oh, Meg...so glad you are all okay...this is a tragedy for Australia and the world...words are not enough....

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by dailylaundry 07 Jan 2020

Meg, I am so thankful you and yours are safe and sound - your account is so very scary - Those are such brave firefighters!! I am sending prayers their way! So hope these fires are soon under control - Love and hugs, Laura

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by gerryvb 07 Jan 2020

this must have been so scary, reading your story it brought tears to my eyes. I'm thankful you are okay, I can imagine how angry you are if these fires are caused by young people. my heart cries for all victims; human , animals and plants . also in the Netherlands it's possible to donate. Thank you for telling us this scary story, good thing you and family are save. My prayers for you and all Australian. hugs/love Gerry

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by stork 07 Jan 2020

Meg, So glad you are alright! We have all been worried about you. I sit here reading this and have tears for all of you. This is so sad and disheartening, especially if it is as they say started by kids. Will continue to send prayers for you and your fellow country men. Take your arms and wrap them around you tight and give a squeeze.....that's my hug to you. God Bless you.

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by jofrog2000 07 Jan 2020

Oh, Meg, I can only echo what others have said, so glad you and your husband (and cats) have survived this. How could one not read this and have tears come, the pictures are so frightening. What an incredibly strong person you are. We all are watching the tv for the latest news. Prayers are sent to all.
Jo

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by crafter2243 Moderator 07 Jan 2020

I am so glad you, hubby and cats are OK. I am not very good with words but let me tell you, that I can not imagine how frightening this must have been. Thank God you all were saved, Reading your account brought tears to my eyes. Hugs

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by zoefzoef 07 Jan 2020

Meg,.. what can I say...I'm so glad you are okay and still are able to talk about it. Can't imagine what you have experienced at those times..
Also now... what is left... it will take quite some time before everything is back to normal again... if that ever will happen... for sure this will be a mark for life... If their is any way we can help you , let us know.
Prayers send to everyone....

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by meganne 07 Jan 2020

Thank you so much.
Ray and I are truly ok, but many thousands of people have been displaced and have nothing left as over 1,500 homes have been lost.
If anyone wants to donate even a few dollars, there are many legitimate charities that can be found on our local news sites like:
https://www.skynews.com.au/page/b...

I donated to the RSPCA and WIRES, to help the animals and will continue to donate every fortnight as it's all I can do.
There is also the Animal Rescue Craft Guild on Facebook taking donations of pouches, wraps, mittens etc. for the burnt animals. Anyone who can sew can get the patterns off their page to make and send them or donate $ for them to buy materials.
And thank you so very much for caring hugs n love. xxx,

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by toogie 07 Jan 2020

My throat aches from trying to hold back tears and also my heart. Now knowing it was over for you at least, it still didn't stop me from feeling for you, as I read your fearful ordeal. I am SO thankful you and Ray were spared losing your lives and home. The pictures are so scary, I cannot imagine living through it.
We have only had to leave home a couple times because of hurricanes, but we have had to be prepared for the aftermath of shortages of gas for generators, because electricity may be out for a week or more, water and food shortages because refrigerators/freezer food goes bad if no generator.
Among necessary survival items we packed when we left, my husband got his guns and I got photo albums. Now we have things on USB stick and easier to pack. Those things may seem silly, but photos I could not replace and those mean a lot to me.You also need flashlights and batteries for radio to get news.
I have been afraid of losing roof or home by winds, but I think fires would be more scary. Thank God for our firefighters (my son is one)! I am so glad they stayed with you through this frightening time. I hope your neighbors take warnings seriously in the future. Even ignorant people need saving.
I can understand your inability to write your experience. When it is so close to our heart it is sometimes hard to share, at first. I think you are still in shock and oh so thankful, it is hard to speak or write about without reliving the fears. I am extremely thankful God has spare you and Ray and still I am praying for your country. Much Love-Toogie

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by meganne 07 Jan 2020

Thank you Toogie, I have done a lot of crying since the fire, every time I watch the news or see photos or videos of our poor animals, especially Koalas, as they are such innocent, harmless little things, my chest hurts and my throat constricts and the tears just won't stop. It isn't like me but I can't seem to control it just now.

It is really wise to have an evacuation plan and I think it's smart to keep everything important on a portable hard drive or a USB. I have Photographed or scanned every important document, title deeds, insurance policies, Identification, Passports, Licenses and all my photos are on my portable hard drive too.
I think all natural disasters are terrifying as we can't control them and they are indiscriminate on who they hurt. As long as we survive and never give in and never lose faith. huge hugs and love xxxx

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by sdrise 07 Jan 2020

OMG how frightening.... I am so glad you are OK and I pray for all those going through this horrible event there or in Australia . I can not imagine the fear you have gone through. so relieved you ad the family are ok. I am sure the wild life will be back eventually. Thank you for sharing your experience with us all. Take care.

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by meganne 07 Jan 2020

Thanks Suzanne, yes it's the scariest think I have ever experienced.
This is in New South Wales, Australia. We are situated approximately 100kms (68 miles) north of Sydney.
huge hugs, Meg

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by asterixsew Moderator 07 Jan 2020

Meg thanks so much for sharing your story. What a horrendous time you have been through

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by meganne 07 Jan 2020

Nowhere near as bad as many others have, and are still going through. We are so lucky.

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by Sewmum1 07 Jan 2020

Thank you for sharing this. I am in aww at the strength people seem to find in these situations. I don't know that I would be able to have such a clear head. I thought we were prepared for disaster but now I realise we are not so I am taking steps to make sure we have things in place better should anything happen like this where we live in the west.
It is such a difficult time of year for these fires to have happened and to find out so many were deliberately lit is distressing. My heart breaks for everyone affected by these fires including so many helpless animals. It is still so difficult to comprehend the enormity of destruction these fires have caused.
Again thank you for sharing. Your strength and courage is amazing

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by meganne 07 Jan 2020

Thanks Sewmum. I can assure you my head wasn't clear when I had the meltdown. :-)
It's funny, but coincidental, that two days before, my neighbours were evacuated from where they were holidaying up near Forster and she posted on Facebook asking everyone what they would take if they had to evacuate and I replied along with many others, so it was sort of preparation for our evacuation plan and I tried to stick to what I had written down in my answer to her, but found I had time enough to think of, and pack, so much more. The stupid thing was we should have packed and planned to take, both our cars as I could have included a sewing machine and some other useful items.
Had we had less time I would have stuck to my original list, my hubby, my boys (cats), my portable hard drive, mobile phone, handbag with bank cards and toilet paper. All our important information is on the portable hard drive and mobile phone.
It never ceases to amaze me the resilience of humans in the face of disaster, or life threatening illness.
Huge hugs, Meg

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