On March 4, it is with an enormous sense of relief that we can finally declare that all the fires that have impacted so heavily on the Far South Coast are now out.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Over the summer of 2019/20 the Clyde Mt, Araluen Rd, Badja, Postman's Trail, Big Jack Mt, Werri Berri and Border fires have burnt through more than 635,000ha between them.
Almost 1000 homes have been destroyed, lives have been lost and much of natural landscape will bear the scars for years to come.
The tragic impact that these fires have had on livestock and native animals alike has been heartbreaking.
Hopefully, finally being confident that these fires are completely extinguished will bring some closure to this phase of the event.
We would like to acknowledge all of those involved in this mammoth effort but there are simply too many to list.
Support has come from far and wide, from all levels of Government and from the international fire fighting community, but most importantly it has come from you - the community we strive to protect.
To see the way the community responded to our advice and warnings on the worst of days was a huge relief to those actively engaged in the fire fight.
Any loss of life is tragic, but this event could have been so much worse.
Many images like those (above) have been shared recently as they tell a story of a country that has evolved with fire, a country that has adapted to fire and a country that is resilient to the impacts of fire.
Just as our natural environment has found different ways of recovering, we will too.
It will be easier for some than others and it will look completely different for many, but just as we pulled together during those worst days I'm sure we can pull together again through the recovery process.
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.
