A Lucky Escape

The dwelling you can see on the left here is our neighbours' house. It is a miracle they were able to save it in the bushfire just before Christmas. They packed up and left and the firies said they didn't think they could defend it but, although threatened on and off for several days, it is still standing.

They were some of the ones who had brought their horses to our place the previous day as we have more cleared land. 
Seems like it was a wise decision.

The fires are still going with some bad ones near Canberra the last couple of days with more homes lost.
The Erskine Creek fire, about 30km from here, blew up today and when the wind changed the valley suddenly filled with smoke.
However it is cooler and actually raining a bit tonight which should help to ease the situation.