A Moruya family's fire story
After the recent Moruya fires, words can't properly express our sincere thanks to so many people we met along the way with their stories, or who contributed in some small way to saving not just our home but our emotional stress.
The first threat turned out to be fine, but I thank neighbours Vicky and Steve, who were worried enough to come and check on us; also Gay and John for communicating and Deli and Allan who rode out the winds with us in the car park of the Moruya Bowling Club. The club went out of its way to check on all of us outside, with our dogs, giving us a warm greeting and showing genuine concern. The staff were lovely.
After waiting for Woolworths to get a generator, I thank all the hardworking staff who dealt with the stress of extremely long queues and desperate people wanting to buy basics, pet food etc. They kept their smiles, which was comforting.
By the time we got inside, there was not even one carton of long-life milk. We stocked up on tinned food. I thank the lovely lady in the car park who overheard me saying I couldn't get a battery for my torch. She gave me her little torch - a lovely, much-appreciated gesture.
After arriving in Batemans Bay for an appointment with my daughter on Thursday, January 23, we were immediately told to head back to Moruya. An hour after we arrived home, a lovely young man came to tell us we should think about leaving.
Without power, we could not even get water from our tank. I got a bit teary when I told him we would leave, but that I had to leave my seven birds in a big aviary. It was too difficult to catch them. It broke my heart. I felt so guilty, but we just didn't have time.
We packed our bags (only recently unpacked) and rallied ourselves, our dogs and our 82-year-old mum. The heat and wind were intense.
Again, I thank the bowling club and also the golf club for later assistance.
We were lucky to be invited to a friend's home to sleep (which was impossible) but thought we should take my stressed Mum away, as we kept looking up to where our home was, down from the tip. We had to consider it would probably be gone. It wasn't even visible in the smoke.
The dogs were extremely stressed. At 8.30pm, we got a text from Vicky Blue with the best words you could read: "Your house is still standing."
At about 10.30pm we saw a post: "If you live at the end of Riverwood Place, your budgies are okay." To that kind person, I don't know who you are, but thank you. That was a wonderful gesture. I thought they would definitely die, even just from the smoke.
The biggest thank-you goes to every firiey who saved our home. We can see by the tyre marks how hard you worked. Thank you for not giving up. You did an absolutely awesome job.
Fires had been starting in all directions around our home. I wish I had a million dollars for each of you, but all I can give is gratitude. You will always be in our hearts. Thanks to every firefighter who worked tirelessly in our areas. May good karma come to you for the rest of your lives.
My heart breaks for anyone who has lost homes or loved ones.
I am saddened seeing kangaroos emerging from what's left of the bush. The poor things were standing on smouldering ground, dazed. Only three resident possums returned. I can't imagine what they went through. A wallaby comes on dusk and was clearly starving. They know to come to our place. They will always get some assistance with food and water.
Everyone wants to smile again.
Also, best wishes to all the water-bombing pilots. What an amazing job you have done. I have watched you fly over our place and over Moruya for months now. You work so hard, but your precision is awesome. I truly hope you stay safe and thanks to you also. Stay safe everyone.
Ms V. Allen
Moruya
BIG EFFORT: Firefighters mop up on Yarragee Rd Moruya on January 24, the morning after a bushfire. A reader thanks all who helped save her home.