Our National Capital Under Fire.

My thoughts for people I know (having lived in Canberra ACT (Australias National Capital), who live in the Southern and Eastern sides of Canberra. To fellow bloggers who live in the ACT, surrounding areas of Canberra and NSW who are impacted by the fires and all that happens as you wait anxiously I do understand exactly what you are going through. The Chief Minister of the ACT declared a State of Emergency a short time again. As weather today and over the weekend as hot weather and strong winds are fanning the flames and threatening Canberra and the surrounding areas.
Several small communities are also under threat.
It is a very concerning time as temperatures are high wind is picking up and the countryside is undefendable, except by air, until it hits land that is more likely to be settled. Saturday (eastern standard daylight saving time Australia) is meant to be worse than today and once the fires come over the mountains which is being set as a very high chance.

More wildlife will be lost one good story is that The Tindbinbilla wildlife reserve has been able to move the endangered Coroboree frogs, Brush Tailed Rock Wallabies (about 24) and Bettongs to safe places.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6605152/dramatic-bid-to-rescue-rarest-animals/

Tindbinbilla Nature Reserve has a research area that has been working on breeding these endangered Frogs, which after the fires in the Kosciuszko National Park.

The area where these frogs were being cared for in the Kosciusko National Park has been burnt in the recent bush fires the article at the following site gives you information about the Australian Armys work

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/30/defence-force-flies-experts-to-kosciuszko-in-corroboree-frog-rescue-mission

The following information is directly from the following web site.
https://esa.act.gov.au/predictive-mapping-friday-31-january-sunday-2-february-2020-act-only

These visuals may be confronting but are not intended to create fear or panic. Their purpose is to motivate our community to respond to warnings, alerts and calls to action.

The left image shows the potential spread of the Orroral Valley Fire from Friday 31 January – Sunday 2 February 2020 for the ACT only.

This image is based on worst-case predictions from multiple fire behaviour scenarios for the ACT and encompasses three days of worst-case modelled bush fire activity based on temperature range, wind variations, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, terrain, and fuel availability.

The right image has been developed by the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS).

These images may appear to differ. The reason is:
• the ACT model shows a larger potential burn area and locations at risk of ember attack if current areas of spotting are not contained.
• the NSW image depicts a 24-hour model while the ACT image depicts a 72-hour model.
• the ACT image also reflects the impact of more extreme localised weather conditions experienced across the Territory in recent weeks.
• you will notice that the core burn area for both models is consistent.

These models are predictions only and are not a reflection of current fire activity. They are an indication of how the Orroral Valley fire may behave in the coming days.

Thank you Canberra. In closing, be alert not alarmed.

NOTE: Data shown are potential spread only. Actual fire behaviour may vary. Please monitor local emergency services for up to date fire information: www.esa.act.gov.au and www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

It is a very concerning time as temperatures are high wind is picking up and the countryside is undefendable, except by air, until it hits land that is more likely to be settled. Saturday (eastern standard daylight saving time Australia) is meant to be worse than today and once the fires come over the mountains which is being set as a very high chance.

The Huon Valley was in a situation similar Dec2018-May2019. My thoughts also with those in Tasmania Fingal area, where fires continue, along with fires in South Australia, Victoria NSW and Tasmania. With hot and windy weather forecast for the Eastern side of Australia this weekend many fires have the potential to flare up.

Queensland on the other hand seems to be finally having a wet season.

• Warnings current:
• Final Flood Warning for the Daintree and Mossman Rivers,
• Minor Flood Warning for the Suttor River,
• Minor Flood Warning for the Isaac River,
• Moderate Flood Warning for the Paroo River (QLD),
• Moderate Flood Warning for the Barcoo and Lower Thomson Rivers and the Cooper Creek and Minor Flood Warning for the Upper Thomson River,
• Flood Warning for the Diamantina River,
• Moderate Flood Warning for the Georgina River,
• Major Flood Warning for the lower Flinders River, Minor Flood Warning for the Norman River, and Flood Warning for the Nicholson, Gregory, Leichhardt, Cloncurry and Gilbert Rivers,
• Flood Warning Summary for Queensland.

blessings to you all Tazzie