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Australian Bush Fires

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:50 pm
by Hostrauser
Since you all know what a numbers person I am, here's some food for thought regarding the huge tragedy in Australia.

ACRES BURNED:
1,500,000 Peshtigo, WI Firestorm (1871)
820,000+ Australian Bush Fires (all) (2009)
794,000 Great Yellowstone Fire (1988)
500,000 Southern CA Fires (all) (2007)
280,000 Cedar Fire, San Diego (2003)
200,000 Witch Creek Fire, San Diego (2007) (part of cumulative number above)

To make matters worse, the fires are occurring during one of the most blistering heatwaves Australia has ever seen. On February 7th, Melbourne recorded a high of 115.5ºF, the highest temperature recorded in that city in 154 years of record-keeping. From January 26th to February 7th, the town of Mildura suffered twelve consecutive days over 104ºF.

Between the heatwave (126+) and the fires (173+) there have already been 300 fatalities, and the fires have destroyed 750 homes.

So pray, keep in your thoughts, or whatever you wish to do for the people of southeastern Australia.