I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who contacted
us regarding the recent disastrous Victorian bushfires.  Fortunately,
although the fires came to within five miles of our factory, we were
never in any danger and suffered no loss, unlike a number of friends
who lost homes and family members to the worst natural disaster in
Australia's history.

The conditions here had been extreme with temperatures over 118 degrees
Fahrenheit in metropolitan Melbourne with winds of well over 100 MPH.
These extreme conditions produced firestorms in the eucalyptus forests
throughout Victoria.  The fires burnt over large areas, with fires often
over 200 feet in height and temperatures to over 2,000 degrees Celsius.
Houses often didn't catch fire; they exploded as the fire consumed all
available oxygen in its path.  The strong winds caused ember attacks to
a distance of over 10 miles in front of the fires, frustrating control
lines.

Australian bushfires can move very quickly and people can often be
caught unawares.  Many years ago our family was caught in a bad
bushfire and escaped with only what they had on.  This time many were
not so lucky.  The toll has been terrible, with 210 people confirmed
dead, over 4,000 homes totally or substantially lost, over 7,500
homeless, the damages bill estimated at over one billion dollars, over
one million acres burnt out and native species losses running probably
in excess of ten million.  In many areas it is believed that over 80%
of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo population has been lost with almost total
losses of the smaller marsupials, emus, goannas and other species.
The very sad reality is that those creatures not killed by the fires
now have little or no food source to survive.

This disaster has brought out the best in people with an army of
volunteers helping in any way possible.  The fires have been largely
fought by unpaid volunteers working long and difficult hours in units
from our local Country Fire Authority supported by volunteer units
in large numbers from around Australia.  In addition, professional
firefighting units have been involved together with specialist teams
from our friends in New Zealand and California.  Their heroism will not
be forgotten.

There were also large numbers of volunteers at all the staging posts
to support the firefighters around the clock with meals, accommodation,
transport, counseling etc.  After the fires went through, there were
then all the emergency response support groups to assist fire victims.

We are now back at the factory and once again many thanks for your
messages of support.

Kind regards always,
Rick Alabaster - The Orchestrelle Co.
Melbourne, Australia