PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Responds to Australian Bush Fires
February 9, 2009 –Salvation Army personnel in Australia are providing vital assistance to emergency service workers and residents affected by fast-moving bushfires that have killed a record number of people in the southeastern State of Victoria. In the last two days, more than 225 volunteers have worked alongside emergency crews in devastated communities to provide for the physical needs and emotional support of workers and residents in shock from the enormity of the disaster.
The fires have claimed at least 171 lives with the toll expected to rise as emergency teams gain access to more areas. Dozens of towns are still under threat as fires continue to burn out of control. Hundreds of local firefighters were joined by 150 from New South Wales and 92 from Tasmania; reinforcements from New Zealand are expected to arrive soon. In 1983, the Ash Wednesday bushfires killed 75 people in Victoria and South Australia, while the Black Friday bushfires of 1939 killed 71.
The Salvation Army is providing emergency accommodations, clothing, toiletries and other goods, plus supplying food and refreshments for firefighters and bushfire survivors. The outpouring of support from individuals, communities and businesses for Salvation Army relief efforts has been overwhelming.
The Salvation Army Overdale Rural Rehabilitation Center in Kilmore was razed to the ground by one of the fires, along with vehicles, equipment and medications. Residents had been evacuated on Saturday afternoon and were not harmed.
The coming days are expected to be critical; it’s anticipated the fires may take several days to control and extinguish. The Salvation Army will move towards the recovery phase in the next few days, working with affected communities to help people rebuild their lives.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
