joybells2's Blog

Bush (forest) Fire Season Is Here!!!

Yesterday was the official start of the Bush Fire season. It was also a public

holiday & the start of a 2wk school break. Fires started to break out all over

our state. Coincidence?? I don't think so. One south of us was

deliberately lit & burnt down several homes. No loss of life fortunately.

One began in one of the two National Parks that encircle our town. This

was preceded by the malicious arson of some public garbage bins. the fire is

in an area which is inaccessible for wheeled firefghting equipment so planes

are being used to bomb it with water. Thought it was being contained but this

a.m. noticed it had spread. Luckily, so far, houses have not been threatened.,

but this could change as it is flaring up & the wind has swung around,

bringing it closer. Hopefully, the river will prove to be a barrier. And it is still

only early spring!!!! The weather is very warm which exacerbates the situation.

A waterbomber is flying overhead right now going to pick up more H2O, but

it can only do so much. Bring on" Elvis" & his waterbombing 'copter mates from

the US of A. I think they will be needed early this year. The local fire service

is staffed by volunteers & they are busy trucking water to our tiny airfield

to fill the planes. Back & forth, non-stop.

Now, what does this have to do with gardening. Not a lot. But it is just

something that certain plant-life has to put up with in its battle to survive.

The Aussie bush is famous for its ability to recover from the extremes of

fire but it's the wildlife that will suffer. The kangaroos, wallabies , koalas

the nesting birds plus other animals in the Park, will all be affected.

A handy hint for those growing Australian natives, a little fire may assist

in their health & growth. But ask your fire service first!!!!!!!