Photo Essay - Barnsley fires
Some photos from this morning when I took the dogs for a walk, a week after a local bush fire. Also see my Google map.
This map shows the area of local bushland burnt in 2000 (yellow) and the area burnt a week ago (red). The indicator at bottom right shows the location of my home
Most of the underbrush was burnt away, and the only thing that stopped the fires from spreading further (apart from the local bush fire brigades) was the criss-crossing of bush tracks and fire-breaks. Compare where Hallie is standing to where Bobby looks back.
Most bush trails had the odd effect of preserving the grass in between the tyre tracks. This meant that there were safe pathways even soon after the fire.
Most of the undergrowth was burnt out, even to the top of the central hill.
This cairn of stones survives. The windbreaker I left as a memorial to Pegasus was totally melted. Compare with this photo taken about 11 months earlier.
Motorbike riders have already created trails through the remains. This may create a new track after the foliage grows back.
It was a week after the fires, and some of the remains were still smouldering.
Elsewhere old motorbike trails are still evident, and make good paths to walk down through the bush. Hallie is impatient for me to follow.
This creek cut through the bush in a slow lazy fashion. Covered by a canopy of trees it generally retains its water even in Summer.
One of the more developed tracks/fire breaks in the area.
My back fence.
My backyard. Still green and friendly for me.