apocalyptic tree

apocalyptic tree

This photograph is one in a large series covering part of the 2006-2007 bushfires in Victoria (Gippsland in particular). This one was taken on December 14 (at around 2pm which was over 6hrs before twilight!) on the central Gippsland plains. Early afternoon saw the region plunge into darkness and rain begin to fall – black ash/mud rain fell from massive pyrocumulus clouds overhead generated from the intense heat and the increased localised atmospheric instability from the fires – Sale actually reported just under 3mm.
This particular day was the most devastating during the season which saw the south divide complex burn for over 60days ! Sadly 1 life was lost at Seaton on this actual afternoon – about 25 km’s from where i took this photograph, numerous houses were lost through Toongabbie, Cowwar wier and Seaton as eyewitness reported walls of fire over 100ft high coming over the hills at the back of their properties. Emergency radio broadcasts filled the airwaves as did emergency vehicles on the roads. During this devastating drama there was the fantastic feeling of ‘aussie mateship’ as all around ppl were offering whatever they had to help strangers and locals alike – a day i will never forget !

more of my bushfire related photography may be viewed by clicking on the preview image below
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