As temperatures soar across Australia, aided by strong winds, wildfires are sweeping through many areas. The mercury climbed to 42 degrees Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) on Friday before dropping a bit on Saturday.
Tasmanian brush fires affecting horse owners
Australian Horse Welfare and Rescue authorities are providing links for horse owners affected by brush fires in Tasmania where an estimated 40 wildfires are active.
© 2012 by Daniel Cleaveley
Firestorms swept the island of ÂTasmania in Âsouthern Australia, cutting off coastal areas and destroying more than 100 homes as it was warned that fires that have raged for 24 hours are expected to continue for days.
Last night 700 tourists were Âevacuated and thousands of people sought emergency shelter. Power was cut across the island and PM Julia Gillard pledged Âemergency assistance for those made homeless.
Thousands fled areas of Tasmania as fires spread. The Tasman Peninsula fire claimed at least 80 properties and left thousands of people isolated yesterday night. Police and commercial boats were being used to ferry in supplies and ferry out people most in need.
No deaths or serious injuries have yet been confirmed, but Deputy Police Commissioner Scott Tilyard earlier said a team was on the ground at Dunalley to investigate a fire crew's concerns that a man may have been trapped while trying to defend his house.
Extreme conditions not seen since 2009 are expected over coming days. Back then the worst bush fires in Australia’s history claimed 173 lives and destroyed 2,000 homes.
Hundreds in Tasmania are homeless. In total, it is estimated that 40 wildfires or “bush fires”, are active on Tasmania.
Wildfires are common during the Australian summer. In February 2009, hundreds of fires across Victoria state killed 173 people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes
Australian Horse Welfare and Rescue News authorities are providing links for horse people affected by the January 2013 bush fires in Tasmania. Visit their site for updated information about facilities for horses and other animals including housing, medical aid, feed and other necessities needed by equine owners, hospitals, and veterinarians.
Donations from outside Tasmania
North West Equine Rescue (based in northern NSW) are organising donations, they are in the early stages of it so please stay tuned to their Facebook page to stay up to date. (A post on their page detailing what is needed and where it can be donated is at this link ~ date posted Sun 6th Jan,