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I assume everybody knows! But if you are thinking of heading up to the Victorian/NSW high country for Australia Day long weekend, don't forget to check with local CFA, or whatever government department!
Re: Access. safety and do you really want to go there?

Neil.
Check Here. http://www.sentinel.csiro.au/mapping/viewer.htm

This is way off topic, but a lot of Oz people check here and it could be important!

I spoke to my sister in Canberra (for our overseas friends Canberra is our Capital and the fires there destroyed about 400 homes on Saturday and killed 4 people) yesterday she and her family were lucky they weren't in the areas where the big fires hit. She had to drive in her Pajero (mitsu content) through the fires to get to her horses to see if they were okay. Apparently the property where she keeps them suffered quite badly but the horses were moved to a safe place and only suffered some smoke inhalation and soot in their eyes. My sister reckons that everything is covered in ash and soot and 5 minutes after taking a shower you are covered in it again and smell like smoke.
She was also very pissed off because while people were trying to save their homes lowlifes were looting anything they could steal. I hope the police catch these slime and smack em around. The other show of complete stupidity was onlookers videoing residents trying to save their houses instead of helping..what sort of people would do that while their neighbours house is buring down?

The fires continue to burn and it looks like they will for a while.

Craig,
Best of luck to you and your family. There are a couple of firefighters on this forum that I know of. We both can and do sympathize with ya'll. I live in Southern California and we get more than our fair share of the devistating brush fires. Take good care.
BTW-I've used my Monty for a troop hauler many times for the fire service here and in Texas.

Just finished watching the news and current affair shows about the Canberra fires.
Bush fires are bad enough but when hundreds of houses in suburbia are cindered that is unbelievable.
I salute the brave firefighters and emergency services as they are doing everything they can. Many have already lost their homes and others don't know if they have a home but they fight on in true Aussie spirit. My condolences go out to the people who lost their homes and family or friends.
It's so easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of modern life with our petty grievances but when you see big tough men physically and emotionally exhausted and in tears it brings you back to earth very quickly.
My work is around 300K's from the bush fires up in the mountains there is big devastation there as well. The smoke was incredible over my work today and it was hard to work outside without eyes watering or choking.
It's gonna be a long, hot, dry summer...............