Reprieve and Rain

The Currowan fire is under control; 2.5 months after spawning several other fires, becoming a mega fire, and burning 90% of the forests and National Parks in Eurobodalla, the Rural Fire Service has declared the Currowan fire under control. And, rain is forecast, although to date, there has not been near as much as any of us hoped for, under 30 mm at our place, but more may be coming.

High tide, empty beach, rain at sea

The respite from water bombers, smoke and sirens is welcome, but more welcome is the idea that with rain the forest can begin to heal. This year, however, the fires have been so extensive, burning almost all the forest along the eastern coast of southern Australia, that much native flora and fauna will not recover. Populations of animals are too scattered, there is too little food, too little habitat remaining and too many introduced predators. This may see the extinction of many native species from Australia.

Rivulets 

But, there are bright spots today: water running where it has not run for a long time, tiny little wrens in the undergrowth in unburnt forest, morning runs when the beach is deserted, little forest paths over streams through neighbourhoods, and yellow tailed black cockatoos in the trees.