The bushfires here took another tragic turn today. 3 US firefighters lost their lives earlier when their C130 Hercules water bomber crashed while tackling blazes in the areas between Numeralla & Adaminaby only 60-70 km south of where I sit now. Condolences to all their loved ones. Apparently they have been embedded with the NSW Rural Fire Service for many months now. Their loss will be felt acutely by all.
After a couple of benign days the wind picked up again yesterday afternoon, the day started hot here, the wind gusts became severe, the dust storm that has swept through three states finally enveloped this city, 2 blazes got out of control on the city's edge & the neighbouring town of Queanbeyan before a late change brought a thunderstorm still going outside here (more noise than rain though). The fires on the South coast also flared up again with more houses lost. We're only halfway through summer.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-...hfire/11893554