I think over the next few weeks there will be more sad news like this from Australia - these fires are still burning and apart from destroying whole communities and their businesses, there is the threat that with a wind change or higher temperatures they could flare up again. Fire fighters from around Australia, and from overseas countries like the States have come to help in this devastating disaster.

This area of Victoria is home to many craftspeople and so much of what is lost is unreplaceable and unique; its not just the homes and the craft studios or shops that have gone, but the tools as well. Please keep these fire victims in your thoughts and prayers. cheers, Caroline in Adelaide

Has anyone heard from Wendy Dennis?  Have been very worried about her family and farm as well.

I haven't checked up about Wendy, but she lives in an area of the state which is practically clear of fires. It's quite different terrain to where the worst fires are burning. Not to say she's completely safe though - anyone is at risk until the season is over.

Today 3rd March all on Fire alert again in Victoria Australia fierce  hotwinds and warnings to leave early now ,shocking loss of life and homes 221 lives lost in the last 2 weeks  30 still missing over 1000 homes lost

Gwen, a friend of mine, who knows Wendy Dennis, has heard from her ( last night), and they are not in a bush fire area. Wendy has been in touch with the Guild in Victoria, and as far as she knows, none of the smaller Guilds are affected, though there are probably spinners and weavers among the 4,000 plus homeless.

I have heard, too,  that KraftKolour will be back in business as soon as possible.

Catching up late, but it is so bad.  I remember the fires passing my house in CA, a hundred feet high, the heat of the flames, the ash in the yard, the unbreathable air... and yet it didn't burn our house, I feel so much for these people.  It is unreal.   Have we heard anything more now that it is a month later?