Duckie's Cafe

The February 9 news of bushfire in Victoria startled me. I have many friends in the area that is now on fire.
I grabbed the phone to call one of them and realized that it was after 23:00 local time.
I waited until the dawn broke and made a phone call. The answering machine answered. I started to feel really worried. I was thinking to myself, “Have they all evacuated?”

By the evening, I was able to get in touch with everybody and I made sure that they were all safe and sound.
However, one of the families said that the fire was just 1km away from their house. Actually their friend’s house was on fire and they helped them fight the fire, but they were helpless against the fierce fire.

The death toll was reported to be 21, but when I was talked to another friend the following day, it had reached 31 and they expected the toll would continue to increase.
I can’t imagine that the beautiful bush I love has now burnt down, and it is unbearable to think that many happy Aussies’ precious lives have been taken.
The fire around the area was started by an arsonist.

I really hope that the damage will not spread anymore and the people who lost their houses can go back to their lives as soon as possible.

I pray for the souls of the people who lost their lives.