Dear Mary Sue, Your absolutely right, these fire storms were far worse than we usually expect. I was out on the fires over the weekend and the temperatures were quite extreme and far more intense than usual although radiant heat from the fires is always high. Even when we were standing in the car park of McDonalds while assembling the tankers(trucks) I sent the crew inside because it was so hot. The conditions vary a great deal depending upon where and what you are fighting. We have carried out a large amount of asset protection around houses as well as some directly fighting fires. Looks as if we will being out on the fires for some time to come with short rest periods at home to avoid fatigue causes more accidents and casualties. Must get on there is much to be done. Regards Don Journet Bacchus Marsh Victoria Australia