Observed Bush Fire Damage

by Suzanne Robinson Monday, December 16, 2013

The view on our walk to Anvil Rock

Yesterday the family and I took a drive. We continued along Hat Hill Road at Blackheath and just wondered where certain roads went. We ended up at Anvil Rock and did the bush walk.

During the drive we noticed the amount of trees that had burnt in the bush fires. For a long time the fire did not cross the road and that seemed like ages, however there was a point where it did and we looked at the devastation and just though how horrific it would have been.

Once we were up on the rock we had a great view and were able to see the trees that had burnt and others that were lucky to still be green. Although there was kilometre after kilometre of burnt trees in the middle of the ash and charcoal there was green growth sprouting.

It is another thing to be told about the fire and another thing entirely too actually see what it did to the land. It was shocking. Have you had a moment when you are faced with something like this, you hear about an event but have not seen the result of it in the flesh? How did it change you when you were face to face with the impact of a disaster? I was in tears at one point as it really brought home how close it really was. One change of the wind and it would have headed our way.

We were very lucky indeed. The firefighters did a tough job and I and the community are extremely grateful for their long hours and hard work.

At Anvil Rock

The view while on Anvil Rock

Trees that got burnt in the bush fire

I’m not sure what the count on land that got burnt, but the community is all o.k. No lives were lost and that is great news. Not great I know if you lost your house, and I think that would be tragic and I would be very upset if that had happened. I feel for people in this situation.

The 3 Sisters at Katoomba – Echo Point.

Contrary to public opinion The Blue Mountains is open and ready for business. Nearly all areas are green and have wonderful views and you would never know that we had a bush fire. We just saw an area that got affected yesterday. If you are wanting to get away from it all, don’t think that there is damage everywhere, all is fine. Pack your bags and take your holiday, long weekend or conference here. The Blue Mountains is a great place to be and to visit.