My parents live in Whittlesea, down the road from the Showgrounds (as in, walking distance). Apparently it's bedlam there. Cars are backed up but because of the road blocks they can't go anywhere. My dad is in the CFA and was in Kinglake over the last couple of days and it's unlike most other bushfires - particularly on Saturday, with the temperatures and the wind, there isn't much anyone could do but asset protection.
This didn't really happen because of poor planning as such. The fires went in so fast that nobody was really prepared. There was really minimal warnings because it would have been impossible to warn the 2000 households or so just because of how quickly it went. Unfortunately, if you can see flames outside your house, you cannot leave, it's just too late. It is much more dangerous to try and flee than it is to stay in your house. Despite that it is common sense to try and run away. Sadly, so many people died because they weren't ready and then tried to escape. I really think that more education is needed on this issue - it would have prevented some of the deaths. It's good to see that the media is starting to drill this point in, they've never done it before.
We live about 15 minutes from St. Andrews, which was pretty bad as well. It is scary. I'm usually not that affected by this kind of news, but I seem to be now. It's all very exhausting.
My grandparents know a few people who have died from their golf club. I'm worried about a friend I have who lives in Kinglake, whom I haven't heard anything about. I'm just going to assume that she's safe for now.
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