Category: fires

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Helicopters Are Dropping Vegetables for Animals That Have Survived the Tragic Australian Fires

The bushfires in Australia continue to burn large swaths of the country and kill millions of animals, but the Australian people haven’t given up hope yet. They’re still doing absolutely everything they can to help – not just for their fellow humans, but for the animals that have survived the devastating fires, as well.

Our hearts are aching. Aching for this beautiful country we are watching turn to ash before our eyes. For the people…

Posted by Animals Australia on Thursday, January 2, 2020

One effect of the fires is that, even if animals do survive, they often don’t have any access to food because their normal forage is all burnt up. The government of New South Wales has decided to take an innovative measure to assist their starving wildlife. ‘Operation Rock Wallaby’, which is led by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, is dropping literal tons of carrots and sweet potatoes from helicopters to help feed herbivorous animals struggling to survive in areas affected by the fires.

Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said, “The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat. The wallabies were already under stress from the ongoing drought, making survival challenging for the wallabies without assistance.”

The food drops are scheduled to continue until the natural habitats of these animals once again regain the moisture and nutrients to sustain life. So far, they have dropped nearly 5,000 pounds of food to the animals.

Please click on THIS LINK to learn about how you can help out during this terrible tragedy. It will only take you a minute, please get involved!

The post Helicopters Are Dropping Vegetables for Animals That Have Survived the Tragic Australian Fires appeared first on UberFacts.

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Firefighters Wish You Knew These 10 Important Things

Firefighters have one of the toughest jobs on the planet – they put their lives on the line every single day to keep everyday citizens safe from a number of awful things that could happen.

So when they talk, we should pay attention. Period.

Here are 10 important things that firefighters think you need to know. Listen up…

1. It could happen to you.

House Fire Total Destruction in Unsafe Amsterdam New York 156 Guy Park Avenue

A lot of people think that fires won’t or can’t happen to them, and that can turn out to be a costly mistake. John V. Murray, the Chief Fire Safety Instructor for the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, said, “People have the mindset in many cases that fires will never happen to them. That can be a deadly assumption.”

2. If you don’t have one, you need one.

You must have a smoke detector in your home and/or business. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that three out of five fire deaths in homes could have been prevented if a working smoke detector had been in the house.

It’s suggested that you have a working smoke detector on every level, and inside and outside of each bedroom. Also, remember to replace your smoke detectors every ten years.

3. You can get new stuff.

(Re-Edit) Quint 94 11-17-11

If there’s a fire, please, please remember to leave your possessions behind. Material possessions are important, but they can be replaced. Your life and your safety? Well, that’s another issue…

4. Smoke is more deadly than fire.

Richard Stack, captain of the North Attleborough Fire Department in Massachusetts, said, “A single breath of toxic super-heated smoke could definitely cost you your life. Most victims of structural fires die from asphyxiation rather than coming into contact with flames.”

5. Never enter or go back into a blaze.

(Re-Edit) 3 Alarm Building Fire 11-18-11

Once you escape from a fire, never, ever go back inside. Let the fire department do their job. This mistake often ends up with people dying. And if people or pets are trapped inside, let the firefighters know. That’s their job.

6. The clock is ticking.

Experts say that you really only have one to two minutes to escape a fire. That is enough time to get out, but you need to remain as calm as possible while leaving the structure to make best use of the time.

7. Two important points.

House Fire

Never try to hide from a fire or try to fight a fire on your own. Hiding is a terrible idea: escape should be the only thing on your mind. And never try to fight the blaze yourself. Escape, call the fire department immediately, and then they’ll get there ASAP.

8. DO take care of kitchen fires when possible.

Many fires start in the kitchen, so reacting quickly to a small fire in the kitchen can be crucial. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and remember, if a fire starts, PASS.

P – Pull the pin

A – Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire

S – Squeeze the trigger

S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side

9. Make sure your address and house number is clearly visible.

Massive Condominium Complex Fire Prospect Heights Illinois 7-18-18 2681

This may seem inconsequential, but make sure your house number is easy to read on your house and your mailbox if it’s by the street. This will cut down on any confusion, which will in turn cut down the response time by firefighters and paramedics.

10. Close your doors!

Fires spread much faster based on how much oxygen they have, so keeping your doors closed while you sleep at night might end up saving your life one day. Fire professionals think it’s so important and such a good preventive measure that an organization has launched Close Your Door to educate the public.

Be safe out there and remember to follow these tips!

The post Firefighters Wish You Knew These 10 Important Things appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Kid Got a Magnifying Glass for Christmas…and Promptly Set His Lawn on Fire

One minute you think you got your child a cool Christmas gift, and the next, the whole neighborhood is about to go up in flames.

That’s exactly what happened: a 12-year-old boy in Texas got a magnifying glass for Christmas – and then accidentally set his family’s lawn on fire. I can tell you, as a former 12-year-old boy, that about 99.99% of kids that age are going to use magnifying glasses to start some kind of fire (hopefully of the small variety that won’t spiral out of control.

The boy’s mother explained on Facebook,

“Christmas Day was memorable to say the least!?My twelve year old son Cayden, who is an avid reader, an honor student, and interested in science, asked for a magnifying glass for Christmas. (It’s like a basketball player asking for basketball shoes.) We thought it was for reading, but instead he tried to see if he could light a fire with it! We discovered that he and his two brothers went out on the driveway to see if they could burn a couple holes in some newspaper.

Everything was under control until the boys came running into the house telling us that a corner of the lawn was on fire and the Christmas lights were melting! Justin and I rushed outside to see the entire front lawn turning black! We grabbed buckets, turned on the hose and sprinklers, and I grabbed blankets to smother and trap it – before it could spread any more into the neighbors yard! What a sight to see – a bunch of people running around crazy trying to put a front lawn fire out while wearing matching Christmas jammies!

I want to reiterate this was an accident. It could have been worse but it wasn’t. So instead of a tragedy it will now be a Christmas to remember! 2019- The Christmas the lawn lit on fire. ???

Oh and never buy a magnifying glass for your son!”

Christmas Day was memorable to say the least!?My twelve year old son Cayden, who is an avid reader, an honor student,…

Posted by Nissa-Lynn Parson on Thursday, December 26, 2019

People on social media thought the whole incident was pretty darn hilarious.

Well, we’re glad no one was hurt and that they were able to get the blaze started by Cayden under control.

Note to self: don’t buy any young kids a magnifying glass anytime soon…

The post A Kid Got a Magnifying Glass for Christmas…and Promptly Set His Lawn on Fire appeared first on UberFacts.

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The First All-Female Indigenous Fire Crew in Australia Is Fighting 24/7 Fires to Protect Their Sacred Land

By now, you’ve heard about the awful and massive fires burning their way through huge swaths of Australia. On top of the terrible damage to the land, it’s estimated that 1 BILLION animals have died in the blazes. People from all over Australia and the world are pitching in to help in any way they can – including some that are pretty unorthodox. In one small Aboriginal community, a group all-female, all-indigenous firefighters are leading the charge to protect their town and their sacred lands.

The town is Lake Tyers in eastern Victoria, home to about 200 indigenous Australians. The town lies on a small, isolated peninsula and has just one access road in and out. The Lake Tyers Fire Brigade is led by Charmaine Sellings and the group is fighting hard against the blazes. Sellings said, “Just one crack of lightning on a stormy day could be disastrous. Things are pretty desperate. We are in extreme conditions, our dams are empty and it’s not a good situation. The crew will work around the clock. We hope for a quiet summer but we fear the worst.”

The fire brigade led by Sellings is the first of its kind in Australia and is made up of mothers and grandmothers in Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, a self-governing community. The remote town is surrounding by thick bush on one side and a system of lakes on the other side.

Sellings said, “We are the lifeline if anything goes wrong, so we have an important role to play, and I think people are generally very grateful for what we do. There was a sense of helplessness before we came along but we feel empowered that we can look after ourselves and our people whatever the situation. The community is proud of us and they value us.”

About 20 years ago, a series of arson fires threatened the land of Lake Tyers and the nearest fire brigade was 45 minutes away. In response, Charmaine Sellings and her friends Rhonda Thorpe and Marjorie Proctor decided to form their own firefighting squad with other local women.

The women are not only saving lives and structures but also “scatters,” or clusters of historical artifacts that are scattered throughout the bush around Lake Tyers. Today, the fire crew consists of four women, with a few other volunteers who pitch in when they can.

Keep up the great work!

The post The First All-Female Indigenous Fire Crew in Australia Is Fighting 24/7 Fires to Protect Their Sacred Land appeared first on UberFacts.

Posted on

The First All-Female Indigenous Fire Crew in Australia Is Fighting 24/7 Fires to Protect Their Sacred Land

By now, you’ve heard about the awful and massive fires burning their way through huge swaths of Australia. On top of the terrible damage to the land, it’s estimated that 1 BILLION animals have died in the blazes. People from all over Australia and the world are pitching in to help in any way they can – including some that are pretty unorthodox. In one small Aboriginal community, a group all-female, all-indigenous firefighters are leading the charge to protect their town and their sacred lands.

The town is Lake Tyers in eastern Victoria, home to about 200 indigenous Australians. The town lies on a small, isolated peninsula and has just one access road in and out. The Lake Tyers Fire Brigade is led by Charmaine Sellings and the group is fighting hard against the blazes. Sellings said, “Just one crack of lightning on a stormy day could be disastrous. Things are pretty desperate. We are in extreme conditions, our dams are empty and it’s not a good situation. The crew will work around the clock. We hope for a quiet summer but we fear the worst.”

The fire brigade led by Sellings is the first of its kind in Australia and is made up of mothers and grandmothers in Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, a self-governing community. The remote town is surrounding by thick bush on one side and a system of lakes on the other side.

Sellings said, “We are the lifeline if anything goes wrong, so we have an important role to play, and I think people are generally very grateful for what we do. There was a sense of helplessness before we came along but we feel empowered that we can look after ourselves and our people whatever the situation. The community is proud of us and they value us.”

About 20 years ago, a series of arson fires threatened the land of Lake Tyers and the nearest fire brigade was 45 minutes away. In response, Charmaine Sellings and her friends Rhonda Thorpe and Marjorie Proctor decided to form their own firefighting squad with other local women.

The women are not only saving lives and structures but also “scatters,” or clusters of historical artifacts that are scattered throughout the bush around Lake Tyers. Today, the fire crew consists of four women, with a few other volunteers who pitch in when they can.

Keep up the great work!

The post The First All-Female Indigenous Fire Crew in Australia Is Fighting 24/7 Fires to Protect Their Sacred Land appeared first on UberFacts.

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These Tragic Photos Show the Apocalyptic Devastation of the Australian Bushfires

I visited Australia in 2001, and it truly is a remarkable country. It’s a beautiful place filled with friendly, hard-working, generous people, and weird animals that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

The devastating wildfires taking place in Australia are so enormous and have killed so many animals – scientists estimate nearly half a billion – that it is almost incomprehensible. Here are 15 moving photos to show you the hell on Earth that is occurring right now Down Under.

https://twitter.com/Sci_Phile/status/1213703245794693120/photo/1

Be sure to look through all the photos and scroll to the end of the article to find out how you can help!

1. Watching it burn.

2. Heroes.

This fire fighter (and all FF’s) saving the people, animals, and homes in Australia. from HumansBeingBros

3. All those poor animals.

4. Unbelievable.

5. These guys need a rest.

Exhausted firefighters in Australia from pics

6. World on fire.

Balmattum Hill is really glowing tonight, however not as much as all of our incredible & selfless emergency services. Thank you ?

Posted by Melissa Ericksen on Saturday, January 4, 2020

7. The numbers are staggering.

8. The eyes say a lot.

My uncle at the end of a 13 hour shift volunteering with NSW RFS from australia

9. The smoke is moving.

Caught the smoke as it was spreading over our suburb in Australia from pics

10. Hell opens up.

Hell opens up in Australia. Thoughts go out to our brave fire fighters. from pics

11. Scorched earth.

In Australia after a fire. from pics

12. All red.

No filters. Australia is red from wildfires. from pics

13. Raging inferno.

A picture one of the local postmen took from his front yard. This was in Forster. from australia

14. Looks like the Apocalypse.

This is a pyrocumulus cloud produced by smoke from the Australian bushfires. It’s 12km high. It produces its own thunderstorms, fire tornadoes and 100km/h winds. from WTF

15. No filter.

No filter. A motel in NSW Australia in middle of the day. from WTF

Click HERE to learn about how you can help out and organizations you can donate to help out during this terrible tragedy

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This Dog Is in Charge of Finding Koalas That Have Survived Australia’s Bushfires

It’s devastating to watch scenes of scorched, singed, and confused koala bears as the bushfires continue to rage throughout Australia. The fires have destroyed land and homes in New South Wales and Queensland but have also tragically taken a huge toll on the koala population in the country.

Because koala habitat is being destroyed in such huge acreage in the blazes, teams are venturing into the burned areas to try to find and rescue koala bears.

One of the most important team members in these searches is a dog – who we can genuinely call a hero – named Bear.

Posted by Queensland Koala Crusaders on Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Bear is a koala detection dog who has been dispatched to Queensland to help find unfortunate little creatures that have been affected by the fires.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare said on its Facebook page,

“Our koala detection dog Bear is bringing a glimmer of hope for koalas suffering from Australia’s deadly bushfires—but these animals need more heroes to save them from this ongoing disaster. Our koala detection dog Bear is an integral part of these rescue efforts. He was recently deployed to southeast Queensland and one of the hardest-hit areas of New South Wales where the bushfires decimated local koala populations. Bear is one of the few detection dogs who can locate live koalas through the scent of their fur.”

Bear is now 6 years old, and he’s obviously found his calling in life.

You can help out by donating to this nonprofit fundraiser HERE.

Sadly, it seems that, in New South Wales at least, some koala populations are being pushed to the brink of extinction due to the fires.

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