'If you still have your life, the rest is just stuff'

In the past 25 years I have lost one home in West Bathurst to fire, and another has been closely threatened by bushfire. 

The loss of my home taught me that as heartbreaking as it is to lose everything in a fire, in the end if you still have your life, the rest is just stuff. The close call gave me the opportunity to put that philosophy into practice and evacuate instead of staying to defend. 

As each new bushfire season rolls around I am faced with the prospect of packing an emergency bag with important documents, photographs and daily essentials. It remains in town just in case my property comes under threat. 

The risk is a fact of life for those of us living in the bush, just as it is for those who have chosen to make their home in the beautiful Blue Mountains. 

What has alarmed me over the past couple of days, however, is the number of people in the mountains who are refusing to evacuate their homes when told to do so, despite the risk to their lives and the lives of the firefighters and police who will ultimately be called on to rescue them. 

I want to tell them that not one of the things they are trying so hard to hold onto is worth dying for. 

I want to say that I know from experience that any material possession (no matter how much you love it) can be replaced - you, your children, your partner, cannot. 

A chilling RFS update late yesterday afternoon spoke plainly as Blue Mountains residents faced today's diabolical conditions. 

"Despite the very best efforts of firefighters and the community, and despite our best hopes, the forecast for tomorrow is about as bad as it gets," it began.

"If you don't need to be in the fire affected areas, don't be there; Do not leave your decisions to the last minute; Do not wait for the fire truck to be on your back doorstep before taking action; Do not think a fire won't happen to you; Do not wait for a phone call, text message or knock on the door; Do not expect a fire truck."

It is sound advice based on decades of experience in fighting bushfires. I hope people listen. 

Our thoughts are with all of those in the Blue Mountains whose homes are in danger, who are experiencing the heartbreak of losing everything, and those who are afraid. Our hopes go with our brave firefighters who are putting everything on the line to protect life and property. 

Please stay safe and look after each other out there.