The wildfire in the Murtle Beach area is continuing
to rage fiercely again today (Friday) after it
eased off slightly overnight when the wind died
down and firebreaks contained the fire's onward
movement.
South Carolina's forest fire chief said that
this was the worst fire to hit South Carolina
for three decades threatening parts of the
popular tourist area.
To date 20,000 acres of land has been scorched,
70 homes destroyed, a further 100 homes damaged
and at least 2500 people have been evacuated. No
fatalities or injuries have been reported.
Damage is estimated to run at more than $8
million.
The fire allegedly started in a yard in Conway
last weekend where a person was burning debris
in his yard. Firefighters were called in to
extinquish the fire, but it seems to have
continued to smoulder under the scrub only to be
rekindled by the fresh winds a few days later
leading to the devastation of the present
situation.
By early Friday, the blaze was reported to be
about 50% contained although it was feared that
that if there was any deterioration in the
weather accompanied by even slight increases in
wind speed flare-ups of the fire at hot spots
could result.
Teams of firefighters are reported to be
prepared for every eventuality, but are hopeful
that the fire will be contained by late weekend.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wildfire Blazing at Murtle Beach, South Carolina
SC Wildfire burns down homes as hundreds of people are forced
to flee the rapidly spreading fire in one of the busiest holiday spots in
South Carolina.
In the affected areas, residents were awakened by police banging on
their doors urging them to evacuate their homes immediately as
strong winds were rapidly spreading the blaze. It was being pushed
in the direction of Barefoot Landing development near Myrtle Beach.
Barefoot Landing Resort is a popular complex of homes, condos and
golf courses.
Badly shaken residents managed to flee to safety and are currently
being sheltered at City Hall and The Blues at Barefoot Landing.
Some 2,500 people on the western side of the Intracoastal waterway
were instructed to leave their homes overnight. Officials are hoping
the waterway will act as a firebreak and protect more populated areas
closer to the beach.
Strong gusting winds are making it more difficult for the firefighters
to bring the blaze under control.
According to North Murtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley upwards of
40 homes had already been destroyed or damaged by the fire. She said
that a more accurate tally would be available after a building assessment
had been completed by about 2 p.m. Thursday. She also expressed relief
that no one so far had sustained any injuries.
to flee the rapidly spreading fire in one of the busiest holiday spots in
South Carolina.
In the affected areas, residents were awakened by police banging on
their doors urging them to evacuate their homes immediately as
strong winds were rapidly spreading the blaze. It was being pushed
in the direction of Barefoot Landing development near Myrtle Beach.
Barefoot Landing Resort is a popular complex of homes, condos and
golf courses.
Badly shaken residents managed to flee to safety and are currently
being sheltered at City Hall and The Blues at Barefoot Landing.
Some 2,500 people on the western side of the Intracoastal waterway
were instructed to leave their homes overnight. Officials are hoping
the waterway will act as a firebreak and protect more populated areas
closer to the beach.
Strong gusting winds are making it more difficult for the firefighters
to bring the blaze under control.
According to North Murtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley upwards of
40 homes had already been destroyed or damaged by the fire. She said
that a more accurate tally would be available after a building assessment
had been completed by about 2 p.m. Thursday. She also expressed relief
that no one so far had sustained any injuries.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Melbourne Set To Get Its Own Rooftop Windpower Generator
Australia's first rooftop wind generator could become a reality as soon as the proposed turbine installation atop a Melbourne office tower gets the nod of approval from the City of Melbourne.
The $5-6 million project could generate as much as 30 percent of the energy requirements for the 42-storey building. Owners propose using either 36 PacWind turbines or 12 Quiet Revolution turbines.
The site has been chosen both for its prominence in the Melbourne skyline as well as its uncluttered roof. The turbines would extend about 30 metres above the parapet and are expected to generate nearly 2 million kilowatt hours a year.
Wind speeds on the site reached about 64 km/h which was much more than adequate. Some rsidents were concerned about increased noise-levels but tests have shown that turbine noise would not be any louder than ambient noise in the area. Once approved, it is hoped that the project will be up and running in twelve months or so.
Fortunately there are no orange-bellied parrots in the area to block the plan, as occurred at Bald Hills. There is some concern about a pair of peregrine falcons whose nest is only a block away from the site. At this stage it seems unlikely the falcon pair will stop the project going ahead because they are not as endangered as the parrots.
Project manager, Peter Clack, said funding had been applied for under the federal Green Building Fund and the system was expected to pay for itself in between five and seven years.
The $5-6 million project could generate as much as 30 percent of the energy requirements for the 42-storey building. Owners propose using either 36 PacWind turbines or 12 Quiet Revolution turbines.
The site has been chosen both for its prominence in the Melbourne skyline as well as its uncluttered roof. The turbines would extend about 30 metres above the parapet and are expected to generate nearly 2 million kilowatt hours a year.
Wind speeds on the site reached about 64 km/h which was much more than adequate. Some rsidents were concerned about increased noise-levels but tests have shown that turbine noise would not be any louder than ambient noise in the area. Once approved, it is hoped that the project will be up and running in twelve months or so.
Fortunately there are no orange-bellied parrots in the area to block the plan, as occurred at Bald Hills. There is some concern about a pair of peregrine falcons whose nest is only a block away from the site. At this stage it seems unlikely the falcon pair will stop the project going ahead because they are not as endangered as the parrots.
Project manager, Peter Clack, said funding had been applied for under the federal Green Building Fund and the system was expected to pay for itself in between five and seven years.
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