Scary day

We woke up this morning to our village covered in smoke - the fire from a few days back had flared up again.
This afternoon a strong wind came up and fanned the flames behind the houses...this photo was taken from my neighbour's house behind ours when we were relieved to see a fire engine park in their firebreak ! There was a second fire engine right in the thick of the smoke further up - they are incredibly brave people. At times we were completely enveloped in smoke as the wind gusted in all directions.
In between this the firemen were bringing us tortoises (the same kind as my blip yesterday) as they spotted them escaping from the bush - I can't help wondering how many animals have died. Three hours later the fire engines are still fighting fires as they flare up all over.
I can understand the fear of the people in Australia with the runaway fires there - these fires are small compared to the devastation there.
Hats off to all firemen.....