Jonty Smith writes from Victoria

Following yesterday's report from Australian families with local Audlem connections, we have received an update on the situation from Jonty Smith, brother of Andrew and Lynn in the Post Office. He says: "Thanks for putting the update on the web site and glad to hear that the Bird family are safe. Over 1831 homes have been lost and over 7,000 people displaced. Townships have been destroyed. We were planning to go up to Marysville on that Saturday (7th) to get away from the 46 degree heat but thankfully decided not to because of the heat. Close call!

"People are describing the noise like 20 Jumbo jets taking off at the same time and the height of the flames reaching over 200 ft and the seering hot wind that we had was nothing like I've experienced before in my life. Amazingly, at around 6pm on that day, the predicted cool change came in and the temp dropped at least 20degrees in just 15 – 20 minutes. I think the biggest thing I've ever experienced was the great freeze of '63!

"Around our area there is the smell of smoke but apparently the CFA (Country fire brigade) have been doing some back burning and creating some fire breaks. The township of Healesville is experiencing some fires and this is only 30 minutes drive away, but I think they are under control. The news has just reported that the police have arrested someone for the Gippsland / Churchill fires.

"This is truly an amazing country. Obviously the fires are hitting the headlines all over the world but up in Queensland they are experiencing record floods! Imagine.......you could have a croc swimming in your backyard!

"A lot of the burnt out bush you may have seen, will regenerate and within 12 months the scarred landscape will be looking different. Amazing! At times like these I think I'd prefer the snow and build a few snowmen and go sledging down Holmes Bank !!! Perhaps you can put an advert on the website to read ......WANTED.....SNOW FOR VICTORIA AUSTRALIA!

Trying to stay cool
Jonty.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.