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N0KFQ > TODAY 16.02.13 18:06l 38 Lines 1455 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 36092_KB0WSA
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Feb 16
Path: IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<VE3UIL<N0KFQ<KB0WSA
Sent: 130216/1545Z 36092@KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA BPQK1.4.53
...
Feb 16, 1983:
Brush fires ravage South Australia
Brush fires rage across South Australia on this day in 1983,
burning thousands of acres, killing 75 people and injuring
another 800. There were 24 major fires in total across the
region, in addition to scores of smaller ones.
The summer of 1982-83 had been extremely hot and dry in South
Australia. Drought conditions had resulted in dry brush and
trees--perfect fuel for a fire--dominating the vast wilderness
regions. Although fires in this region are not uncommon, the
fires of February 1983 were unique because they threatened
population centers.
Wind speeds on February 16 consistently reached 55 miles per
hour, with gusts as high as 80 mph. The winds also shifted
direction suddenly, making it difficult for the authorities to
contain the fires, even with nearly 16,000 firefighters enlisted
in the effort. In addition to the 75 people who lost their lives,
approximately 350,000 farm animals were killed. The towns of
Otway, Gambier and Geelong were hard hit.
Hundreds of homes burned and critical electric power lines were
brought down all over South Australia. Finally, about 12 hours
after most of the large fires began, the wind shifted and
virtually halted the spread of the flames. This allowed
firefighters to contain the blazes, and most were put out by the
end of the following day.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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