'Firies'

I've no idea if that's how it should be spelt – but it's 'Aussie' for Fireman. For all the time that I was in Tasmania, the temperatures on the mainland have been over 30 degrees. In South Australia I think there were something like 7 consecutive day where the temperature was over 35 degrees.

Consequently it's been ideal conditions for bush fires. In fact the fire readiness level has been at 'Catastrophic'! And there have been already been a few fires – and it's only just the start of summer!

Even in Tasmania they had a 'fire awareness' day last week (I say 'even' because apparently Tasmania has had a 'wet' winter). I was listening to one of the local radio stations and was really interesting some of the things that communities and people have to do.

There was much talk about fire prevention, namely clearing dry bush and ensuring adequate fire breaks etc. Apparently in the forests in Tasmania there are 'Fire Watch Towers' which are manned by people whose job it is to just look out for fire. Also, I didn't realise the level of volunteers that there are in the 'rural' Fire Service and how in some areas there are waiting lists to join, whilst there are shortfalls in others.

Having said all that, just as I was leaving Australia there had been big storms in S.A. and Victoria which have brought quite a lot of rain (unfortunately in some areas the storms just bring lightening which acts just like a big match).