The terrible bush fires that struck Victoria on March 7th.
 
You are probably aware of the terrible bush fires that struck Victoria on March 7th.
A PCCV member lost his house and his shed. A 203 Aussie ute and a 203 van were burnt.
I have been thinking about temperatures.
Aluminium melts at about 600°C. Steel melts at about 1300°C. Steel loses half its strength at 600°C.
Hence the shed collapse.
 
Some background to the bush fires.
  • Victoria has experienced several of years of drought.
  • We have had no rain since before Christmas.
  • The forests are very dry.
  • Koala bears usually get all their water needs from the gum leaves they eat. There are several photos on the internet of Koalas overcoming their suspicion of man for a drink of water.
  • Saturday 7th Feb was very hot, 48 degrees and a gale force hot north wind was blowing. There had been several days in  the 40s before this.
  • Any fires that started in grassland or forest moved very quickly, in some unfortunate cases faster that a car could drive. Some towns were hit by a fireball that set many houses on fire instantly.
  • Over 200 people died and over 2000 homes were burnt.
 
regards
Gordon Miller