I got some good news last night. Some people we know have turned up.

My nephew whose house we didn't know about? The house survived.

Here is a gallery of images.

Great stuff. And Great link! Thanks.

Some really cool pics.

As tragic as this situation is, it makes me proud to be an Australian right now.

So far, in public donations there has been over $40 million. That's $2 from every single man woman and child in the country. 'Refugee' camps are being overwhelmed with donations of clothes and toys and general household goods.

Good on you Australia. Bloody good onya!

Australians are tough mothers! No way could I take that heat.

Just found out my paternal uncle and his family are somewhere in Victoria at the moment. Thus far Dad's not had any contact from them.

Are they travelling Dana?

Chances are they're somewhere else I'm sure. Try not to worry too much. If there's anything we over here can do to help let me know ok?

Here is a video report describing Charley Richardson who has now personally fought three of the worst five bushfires in Australian history, in 1939, 1944, and 2009.

He survived, but lost his house this time. He is, after all, 97.

Thanks for the offer Ali. Much appreciated.

Good news is we've heard from my uncle. They're all fine. They were quite a way from the danger areas, and are now on their way back from Oz *smiles*

I'm so glad. Dad's best mate died a couple of days ago, it would have been too, too awful if something had happened to his kid brother in the same week.

I'm glad they're all fine Dana. :)

How are things on your end this evening (or whatever time it is there) Ali?

I wonder if the Doc Rat webcomic fans internationally might be tapped for a collection for fire relief and wildlife clinics? It's Australian, it's funny-animals, and medical, soo...

As I expected, on the Boeing internal web, employees can donate by credit card or payroll deduction and Boeing will match dollar for dollar until the 27th.

They're also set up for the floods in the northwest US, and the tornado in Dacca India, if one chooses.

Suspect charged in deadly Australian fire

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1

Things are not too bad by the looks of things mate. It's good that they're making progress with some arrests although not all have led to charges being laid.

There's also a class action against a power company over faulty power lines starting one of the fires. I'm not sure how I feel about that considering the extreme conditions. I think they might have a hard time proving negligence under the circumstances. Time will tell though.

Sign of the times I think. Nobody makes mistakes that affect themselves, accidents and shit never just happen, so someone must be sued to prove it's true.