The stories behind the viral videos from Australia's bushfire crisis | Four Corners

They are the videos that stopped the nation and stunned the world - images from the firegrounds capturing the ferocity of the bushfires that have raged around Australia this black summer.
These videos have been viewed tens of millions of times, but who filmed them and how did their stories end?
Read more: ab.co/2RSHkoc
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[@wagherbert]

Literally hell. The bravery of these fire fighters can never be overstated. Remarkable. Devastating. Terrifying.

[@lookingupwithwonder]

Wendy Herbert yes. My sentiments exactly. These poor people would have ptsd - en masse. My heart is hurting watching this

[@shaunconner295]

Wendy Herbert look up tubbs fire and camp fire... burnt a lot faster and stronger.

[@sparklight0964]

Chaotic Lixquid Doesn’t make other fires like this less traumatic

[@charliejames1023]

I agree

[@rydz656]

Hilarious

[@nordic5490]

Thanks ABC for having the ticker to leave the comments on.

[@benhowell5790]

Haven't ever seen it before, must keep the left wing propaganda machine turning the cogs without criticism in comments

[@dannyvr91]

good to see, wish they called it "ScottyFromMarketingSummer" like it's known as

[@ladyangua1]

@@dannyvr91 #ScomoFires has a nice ring

[@Loribyn]

Yeah, makes a nice change, doesn't it! But it's not like we fund them or anything so should have the right to comment on _our_ ABC-... oh wait! ... ;)

[@ShadowBrok3r]

hilarious comment considering they block 99% of all comments on all videos and it effects there views nothing else this faceless company doesn't have a heart lol for assuming it does.

[@nazizombie42]

Saying to a fire "burn and piss off will ya"... so Australian!

[@tree_addict280]

I know right

To those who lost their lives including the 3 Americans who volunteered to help fight these fires and all the animals that died rest in peace...

[@meljc2823]

😔🙏 rip seems like such an understatement.. I just don't understand why life is so tragic sometimes. 💔

[@alexandernohra2154]

Gosh can you Americans stop trying to say like YOUS helped because YOUS didn’t it was really all of the Australian volunteers

[@bishoppolycarp9684]

@@alexandernohra2154 Take it easy Blue. Naturally Aussies fight Aussie fires. US, NZ (maybe more) teams did come, fight and die in the same way the Aussies would when the situation is reversed.

[@skoobs6051]

@@alexandernohra2154 You do realise that the majority of the pilots are from the US and Canada right... Plus the fire fighters and soldiers from America, Canada, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, just to name a few assisted. It wasn't just the Australian volunteers either, career firefighters, soldiers and many other logistical officers assisted.

[@willemnekker7438]

@@skoobs6051 classic american lmao always gotta be the best even in a crisis

[@tamaskosa3283]

The father and daughter who defended their home are badasses! These people are so brave!

[@terririckert7069]

Rest In Peace - Robert (father - left behind his wife) and Patrick (son who left behind a wife & baby son) SALWAY of the historic town of Cobargo on the NSW South Coast that both died fighting the 31st Dec 2019 - fire close to their homes.

[@dannyvr91]

rest in peace

[@YoungBlood507]

Almost made it to 2020. We will all join them soon, the end is near

[@joel_ph]

@@YoungBlood507 what

[@tylerhalloran9158]

I went to school with one of salways good people thier loss sent waves through the community Cobargo is one of those towns where everyone knows everyone I spent a decade in the Cobargo area and coming down through cobargo after was horrific and my family had a close call the fire burnt up to our back door and then swung north and went around our house

[@cosmokramer8693]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gd2234_]

It’s been two years until I could watch this. The stories of the animals suffering gave me visceral reactions and I couldn’t stomach hearing the stories.

[@craigime]

the animals suffering gave you visceral reactions but not the humans?

[@420epicchickennugget7]

@@craigime kinda yea bc theyre legit just innocent and us humans are out here causing these things

[@MichelleWardley]

😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@shades0000]

Again another example of the Australian spirit - at 6:30 the guy that had been interviewed earlier in the program offered to get out of the car to make space for the 93 year old. Great bravery given the conditions outside of that car.

[@Australianzwayne]

The bravery of fire fighters astounds me, add to that, volunteer, WOW, hats off to you all & thank you.

[@alexandercharlesedwards-ace-]

They are like courageous Knights fighting a tireless dragon.

[@PS-Straya_M8]

SADLY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TURNED ITS BACK ON ITS OWN PEOPLE AND MOSTLY UNPAID VOLUNTEERS WERE RELIED ON TO SAVE PEOPLE, PROPERTIES, AND ANIMALS. 2019/2020 IS A YEAR OF SHAME FOR THE ASSHOLES IN POWER. DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT DO ANY BASIC WEB SEARCH TO UNCOVER THE VILE BEHAVIOUR BY AUSTRALIAN POLITICIANS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nordic5490]

@@PS-Straya_M8 your computer is broken mate.

[@nordic5490]

That is the key. Volunteer means skin in the game. My family are firies.

[@carolyn2940]

@@PS-Straya_M8 you are absolutely correct

[@Totes_Masc]

Brilliantly captured and edited stories. Such an intense time. To the young lady that defended her home with a burnt hose, the word bravery doesn't begin to cut it.

[@Lengend-cu6ef]

yeah I think a bit of stupidity and bravery

[@kaiberus5970]

@@Lengend-cu6ef bravery is one inch shy of stupidty, and vice versa

[@kaiberus5970]

but still props to her

[@Jacopski]

@@kaiberus5970 cant help but think the dad was the reason they stayed and defended, though it did turn out alright in the end, I cant imagine making a decision like that on the behalf of another family member

[@kaiberus5970]

honestly i would, if my dad wanted to defend a place unless it was absolutely fubar, i'd try to atleast honor that wish, now ofcourse if like i said there was no saving it i'd pick him up and toss him in the truck and drive off@@Jacopski

[@lookingupwithwonder]

The animals.... no words. My heart is crying

[@putdislikehere8760]

What a waste of resources!

[@creamythroat]

@@putdislikehere8760 the universe in infinite, not a single resource wasted

[@seek.l2215]

@@creamythroat we can’t access most of our universes resources so many where def wasted

[@creamythroat]

@@seek.l2215 to humans maybe, but in general, zilch

[@reecewithoutherspoon1324]

Bushfires are a part of the natural reproductive system for the bushes in Australia. It's literally natural.

[@murdermysterymayhem]

How can people thumbs down this? Greatest respect to firefighters and paramedics.

[@ParArdua]

Fox news watchers.

[@gentlejake605]

Could be the editing could be a glitch could be they were crying could be accidents who knows at least there are people who come together to like and appreciate what firefighters do I'd love to but I need to loose ALOT of weight and get fit scared too and tbh not gonna lie idk how to so I hope to one day though

[@Kairos_Akuma]

Bots and conspiracy-muppets

[@rockstarbby7]

They're probably just thumbs downing the fire

[@amy3297]

Some people feel bad giving a “thumbs up” to something so tragic

[@CinemaDemocratica]

I've been binge-watching the "Four Corners" series and, as an American, let me say how impressed I am. Australians are lucky in many ways; add this program to the list.

[@widdershins1796]

Massive Respect to the US firefighters that flew over to help, Keeping our long standing US/AUS alliance strong.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

@@widdershins1796 Had to: Y'all are just about the only friends we have left.

[@arconeagain]

Four Corners is a fantastic program, has been for many years. Even the logo is impressive. Have you seen 'The Jobs Game'? I think that every Australian should see this, especially in this current climate. The average Australian worker has a certain opinion. If only they knew how their taxes are being wasted, and how the disabled are being treated.

[@nipponsuxs]

4corners while government funded isnt like many of the corportate channels in the US striving for ratings and profit, Their journalist are in it for the right reasons not for the money, not dictated by billionares about what they can and cant say been making great content for over 50yrs

[@nipponsuxs]

@@arconeagain very few countries in this world that dont waste citizens taxes

[@suzystone244]

Australia will do what they must. Pull together in the worst of times. My heart is with you from Northern California USA. ❤

[@carolcampbell5623]

Thank you for sharing your firefighters with us. So very sorry they died here 😓

[@MrDhandley]

suzy klitgaard Thank you! 🤕

[@alexgonick]

I live in Southern California. Wish I could go to Australia to help fight these massive fires. Stay save guys. We love you.

[@alexgonick]

@Darren Walsh jeez. I'm sorry. Hopefully everything gets better soon.

[@tree_addict280]

And my heart is with you, from New South Wales Australia. :)

[@tonikearney3274]

I am also the Deputy Captain of the Nymboida RFS brigade. This wasnt mentioned on the program. I was prepared and had all the equipment but when my Captain called me and said the RFS were pulling out because it had gone bad and we had a ten minute window to get out..... we took it. There was no way to know that the wind would pick up to 80kph and that window was gone.

[@Loribyn]

No need to explain, Toni; and certainly no need to justify your actions, mate -- not to anyone. Those of us who get it, get it. And those who don't, will never understand. Pay them no mind. Anyone who'd have a go at you, is beneath your contempt.

[@antoinettenovella1630]

Nothing but respect for firefighters. I could not do it, many of us couldn't so utmost respect for those that do. Heroes. I have a colleague that does volunteer fire fighting. She is utterly dedicated, keeps fit, and participates with absolute passion in defending our landscape, our homes and animals from fire. I wish I could publish her name but she does not do it for publicity, avoids it at all costs.

[@NxDoyle]

Hi Toni. I know you've probably heard the word 'hero' being used a lot over the last few months, from the media and the general public. Whenever we throw words around, they tend to lose a little value, even if the expression of the words is sincere. But you really do deserve to know that the overwhelming majority of people stand in awe at the job you do. You know better than most how unpredictable bushfires can be, turning on a dime of a change in wind direction, or being so ferocious they create their own wind, even their own lightning. To stand in opposition against a threat that fierce, when every instinct we have tells us to run, is a rare kind of bravery. We need to do a lot more to provide the resources needed to make your job easier, and the hardest part of your job far less frequent.

[@mac2105]

When you're trained, equipped and funded to deal with simple waves there is no shame in not being able to neutralise a tsunami...

[@tree_addict280]

My dads the Deputy Captain of the Eden Volunteer RFS Brigade

[@WOSHSV7]

I watched this program the other day on iview. Every firefighter who fought these blazes is a legend in my opinion. Who ever is responsible for making this program did an outstanding job of capturing the terrible circumstances of this horrible event.

[@ness4701]

My cousin were stranded on the beach at Batemans bay

[@Dumbanddumber0]

"you put him in I'll get out" True hero.

[@NxDoyle]

Four Corners excels yet again. To devote an edition of the program to personal stories of the fires, accompanied by personal videos, is style and substance in equal measure. No reporter, no narration of copy, just first hand experience and a little newsreading to stitch it all together.

[@AlaskaRS]

"Don't go into a room you can't get out of." Very true. A lot of people who died in the Black Saturday bushfires sheltered in bathrooms.

[@Moo-fb2kb]

People who sheltered in bathrooms did so because it was too late to leave & they had no other option. People sheltering in bathrooms only did so because they couldn't safely follow plan a of their fire plan. They would have died anyway, and were trying anything to escape the heat. Don't be codnescending behind a computer screen when you weren't there & have the privlige of hind sight.

[@lukethiele3197]

@@Moo-fb2kb He wasn't having a go at anyone, he pointed out how true the quote from KI was. Yes I am a firefighter.

[@handelnumber1]

I'm in tears watching the courage of these people. Now, I know what a hero is.

[@daughterofzion4613]

Really!🥴

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

A hero does not need to risk their lives. A true hero is one who ensures that no one ever has to risk their lives. We've got too many villains like Scott Morrison, and not enough actual heroes fighting climate change. A hero should not need to bring a dragon to life to fight. A true hero ensures that no dragon ever gets to live.

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

​@@alpha1solace You missed the entire point. So I'm going to rephrase it in a way a simpleton can understand. Imagine that one day someone started building a huge firebomb in the center of a city for all to see and that no one did anything and just watched it happen. Imagine that no one did anything until after the bomb had detonated and left devastation and spread fires all over the city, killed hundreds of people. And in comes the firefighters who risk their own lives trying to save others, while everyone else sits by and calls the firefighters heroes. Would it not have been more heroic to prevent the bomb from being built in the first place? No one needed to die. I frankly find it disgusting that we need people risking their own lives in order to be called heroes. Preventing the bomb from being built would have saved everyone, including the "heroes." This is the situation we have had with the fires in Australia. People have warned the prime minister about all of this, but he did nothing.

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

Not too sure about what any of you guys said to manage to get blocked by KZbin's comment filter, but usually it's really awful. I've seen terrible comments bypass it, but you guys just managed to get blocked. Good job. I did however manage to get a sneak-peek by one comment attempting to strawman my argument. No firefighters don't deserve less praise. They just shouldn't have to risk their lives. I would much rather have these good people stay alive and never had to deal with this disaster in the first place. And it also seems that the person trying to reply had absolutely no clue about how climate change works. Setting up a single solar panel does next to nothing. Action is needed elsewhere, and only world leaders and the largest corporations have the power to make any significant impact. Claiming that a single solar panel would change anything, is about as logical as claiming that you can clean up a city by picking up a single cigarette butt call it a success.

[@vegasspaceprogram6623]

@@Thor.Jorgensen it probably would have been, however, the firefighters who try to fight the fire are also heroes. I understand that the condition for the fires to start were perfect and it's somehow the governments fault. But without those firefighters the casualties would have been so kuch higher. They are heroes

[@mattaitken3697]

I'm so happy my fellow colleagues from Alberta were able to come and help out. Just like how the Aussies came here to help us in our bad fire seasons

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

It takes a team. Hopefully we won't need you this Summer and you guys are able to get on top of things and send ours back. ❤ Thank you! And good luck out there!

[@barbaraives5751]

Thank you for helping us, we will of course do the same for you guys.

[@amandapinkgelato9482]

4 Corners have adequately captured the mood. Brings it all back.

[@hannyhawkins7804]

It’s still happening. The NSW Far South Coast is still burning. Canberra’s under threat - the fire’s just 5km away from the suburbs. The enormous High Country fires, which didn’t even get a mention here, are still blazing ..... And there’s still 6-8 weeks of fire season to go, including the hottest weeks of the year.

[@forbearancemp5283]

@@hannyhawkins7804 I'm in the High Country. We had two big dumps of rain since and the fires are still burning.

[@hannyhawkins7804]

Forbearance Bear And most Australians don’t even know the High Country is afire with possibly the biggest blaze of this horrific summer. It’s terrifying that two big rains haven’t stopped the fries. Terrifying. But I know. I’ve been chewing your smoke all summer. Well, yours and the south coast’s - depends which wind is blowing. The alps are my heart’s home, and the beautiful Alpine towns: I’m so relieved lovely Tumbarumba survived. And Batlow! Did ANYONE think Batlow was going to be there the next morning? I didn’t. The battle for Batlow deserves a TV documentary of its own. Sending you all my best wishes and support. I can’t wait to get up into the high country again.

[@AphXMaster]

9:53, Every Aussie's reaction in 6 words.

[@hannyhawkins7804]

Word. Re the entire BlackSummer. Which isn’t over yet.

[@tonikearney3274]

Yep. That was me. Potty mouth words just slipped out. In my defense I was pretty scared

[@terririckert7069]

@@tonikearney3274 and stupid for NOT evacuating EARLY. Risking your life for "processions". Hope you are NEVER put in that situation again. If so FLEE EARLY !!!!!!!!

[@tonikearney3274]

@@terririckert7069 I think perhaps negative comments when people are traumatised is not advisable. Telling me I'm stupid when I'm feeling very fragile is not the right response. I know my decision to leave might have endangered me and I feel bad enough about that already without your harsh comment.

[@MrDhandley]

Toni Kearney An apology is not necessary Toni. We all understand.

[@wnchillbilly1]

watching from the States , , , very painful to realize how horribile this epic fire is for your entire country. , , , many prayers for good soaking rains to fall soon and for blessings of healing : - )

[@meeeka]

wnchillbilly1 can you believe, in the US, firemen are paid but here in Oz, outside the city areas, they are all volunteers? in the US, firemen are paid first responders, trained professionals. But here, the government expects the country people to take care of themselves. and they are bloody heroic champions, with what they do. Instead, we welcome firefighters from around the Ring of Fire: Canada, Alaska, Cali, Oregon, the entire Western US. and they too are bloody heroes. I remember in LA, the 1993 Malibu fire, the Aussie firemen came to our aid . we're all in this together.

[@caveman6988]

Thankyou for your support we really need it

[@hannyhawkins7804]

Thank you so much but we need you to do one more thing: these fires are going to get worse. Australia can’t prevent it. Only the countries of the world acting together to limit greenhouse gases will save Australia from fires much worse than these. We can’t do it alone. We need the world to save us. So please lobby all your politicians to lead the world to lower greenhouse emissions. Thank you so much🙏

[@terririckert7069]

@wnhbilly1. - Thank you. I was born in Calif but have lived in Australia for over 50 years. My Dad, one summer worked as a fire lookout I think in Oregon, in one of those HIGH lonely lookout posts in a forest. In the mid 70's as a member of our local volunteer "Bush Fire Brigade" he would question why water bombing was NOT used in Australia, now FINALLY we hire US fire bombing apparatus every summer (our summer is your winter so the apparatus is NOT needed in the US). VERY close family friends (he was my Dad's roommate for 3 years at San Jose State in the late 50's) in SONOMA COUNTY CALIF lost their home in Dec 2018 from the Calif fires. So we are NOT alone in our experiences.

[@wnchillbilly1]

@@hannyhawkins7804 thank you Hanny for your reply , , , I've always believed that we should be better stewards of the land / our planet. Organic farming tp improve the soil / farmland , lowering chemical use , cetra cetra . . I m h o , , the invention of electricity , more than any other event , has changed our World , , a close second is the engines that power our cars. Both of these require fossil fuels to operate.. Being a modern man , I like the lights to come on when I flip the switch , cetra , , Even if I wanted to return to the 15th century , it's just not going to happen , , and , no politician or government could force their people to change so drastically. . . I submit to you that the only way to reduce / eliminate greenhouse emissions will be the invention / discovery of a totally new source of energy , , , made by brilliant minds to be sure , , , your mind could be among those , Hanny . . So yes , political pressure will help , , , but the solution will come from this new energy source. : - )

[@dyslexiusmaximus]

Never been so proud to be Australian. True heroes.

[@sebbrazier5678]

I can’t imagine losing my brother and father it’s just the most heartbreaking thing to go through, all respect goes to him

[@danih7577]

As an American, the news reports were an agony to witness. This report is so hard to watch. So much suffering , it’s still heartbreaking. It’s indescribable.

[@tanyabrown9839]

RIP Uncle Ron. Everyone these fires are unpredictable, think twice about saving your properties over your life. Leave the fire fighting to the fire fighters.

[@thoth1999]

Sorry about your uncle😔

[@tanyabrown9839]

@Shaun McCarthy yeah but it still isnt worth your own or your families lives.

[@heatherhall3452]

So sorry for your families loss Tanya 😪 🙏🏽🕊 R.I.P. Uncle Ron 🌟

[@Morebeeswithpisces]

Sorry for you loss. This is beyond sad 😭 I have a newfound admiration for firefighters

[@adamthreapleton9149]

I knew Ron through music. What a beautiful man and a terrible loss.

[@PUFCKG]

I'm English and live in the UK. Luckily we get nothing like that here. But I tell you what you Aussies are so courageous standing against fires of that magnitude. You all have my deepest respect.

[@skzvixen]

Watching this knowing I've lived through something so horrendous 💔💔 absolutely GUT-WRENCHING beyond words! 😭 To the firefighters out there on the front lines, defending our homes, lives and even our beloved wildlife. Your sacrifice and bravery astounds me to no end! I have no words for the amount of gratefulness and gratitude I feel towards you all!!! Bless you all from the bottom of my heart! And to those who lost there lives! You will NEVÈR be forgotten ♥️♥️ RIP!

[@cryptogod6149]

Well said 👍😁

[@yukigi4826]

Porsche Girl When did anyone say only white people helped

[@dice6626]

Yeah poeple died but your a bit dramatic

[@thegodfatherfriendofrocky9804]

Much love from the states aussie aussie oi oi oi

[@freyawajswelner9329]

As an Australian that has lost their home but is still alive, I feel for the people that have been evacuated from their homes. I jusy wanted you all to know that if you need someone t talk to, I'm here! Keep fighting Australia!!

[@hannahsowry6709]

you can hear the terror in the voices of the victims. Absolutely horrible, i think the firies have earned even more respect and recognition that honestly they should have had before this crisis

[@PeterTodd]

Thank you ABC and the 4 Corners Team - absolutely awesome production and wonderfully honest and frank . Such a horrendous thing.

[@andrewleggott6821]

Sam Mcpaul was a student at my school and our first school captain. We had a ceremony for him there on the first day back

[@dannyvr91]

[@akaor5307]

I pray that the fire will go out quickly and completely from Australia. From Japan🇯🇵 Our planet forever. 耐えてオーストリア

[@akaor5307]

オーストラリア！

[@eloisebrynlee]

Thank you! 🇦🇺

[@Tesana]

どうも有り難うございます。

[@TheRealUnconnected]

Thank you for sharing this in full and leaving the comments on. Rest in peace to all of those who perished in the fires, and to the brave firefighters who also lost their lives. Thank you to all of the volunteer firefighters, and those who came from overseas to help and risked their lives to save others in a country that was not their own. My heart goes out especially to the three brave Americans and their families. It wasn't their fight but they came anyway because they are true allies and brothers. I hope their families know that Australia won't forget their great sacrifice.

[@myroom4640]

These men that fight these fires are truely such amazing , brave and courageous people !!! They put their lives at risk, to save others. I’m in awe of their bravery , fantastic job to all of you……

[@herdeefrancisco9161]

I was a structural firefighter and currently in ARFF. Watching the video still gives me goosebumps. Sorry for the family who lost their loved ones as well as to brave firefighters, you will never be forgotten. Snappy salute to all FF's that contributed to extinguish the fire, I hope this horrific fire will not happen again.

[@MichelleWardley]

❤❤❤

[@TheDixiechick12]

God bless the people who lost their lives and to their surviving families our prayers are with you,and to the courageous and heroic fire fighters of Australia.

[@hannyhawkins7804]

They’re mostly volunteers, the firefighters.

[@Nick-fe7xx]

Can i give the families some money to help out, might be more practical than prayers and thoughts?

[@Nick-fe7xx]

I mean the family's must be really blessed with all that devastation.

[@PeterKnagge]

Talk is cheap! The internet is deadly and argument from authority is a fallacy! I can not emphasise enough how much the climate and science has changed in the last 50 years (climatecollege.unimelb.edu.au/recent-australian-droughts-may-be-worst-800-years )! Mother Nature is a mean lady, and no longer is playing by the same set of rules. The Australian firefighters have worked the best they could all through 2019 but the climate means it is too hot and dry or is flash flooding too much for hazard reduction and the government RFS funding got cut. The Australian Bushfire Management & Environment Law does not restrict authorised experienced firefighters from doing their job in any way, it just restricts idiots that don't know what they are doing (www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/factsheet-bushfire-management-and-national-environment-law )! The bushfires what we are witnessing here is not normal, we still aren't listening to Mother Nature, and she knocked everything to their arses! The small community where I grew up have survived at least 3 of these increasing bigger and more intense bushfires, and each time the bushfire has humbled me. Reading people's well wishes to Australia from all around the world (often from poorer, less developed countries) is also incredibly humbling! Even the NSW State Government’s own website says the current 2017 drought is at the very least a _once-in-a-100-year_ drought (other studies say maybe the worst drought in 400-800 years), hence the state and country wide level 2-5 water restrictions. We just came out of another extreme drought called the “Millennium Drought” in 2010. Yet the government would rather go on a lame excuse witch hunt chasing “greenies” and “arsonists” then listen to what scientists are telling them. Even though their own bushfire management and environment law, fire commissioners, and police say different. Incompetent PM closed his eyes and ran off to Hawaii and the dumb NSW state government cut the RFS budget and are so cheap they won't even provide firies with ventilation masks www.change.org/p/gladys-berejiklian-provide-adequate-and-practical-respiratory-protection-for-firefighters-immediately/ CO2 has been a legal pollutant in the US for over a decade, & a major occupational health & safety risk around the world. Over 4000 people a day, & 4.2 million people a year die due to air pollution. Too much CO2 causes vegetation "nutrient lockout" killing plants, as well as polluting soil & waterways causing aquatic "dead zones". USA are the largest polluters per capita, & the 2nd largest polluting country in the world. (China & India joined the Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, & each have national carbon taxes, - the US is the only developed country in the world that has no international mitigation plan.) The reason the world is being turned to toast is because of a couple of mid-American farmers want a few extra sunny days & have a blissfully ignorant view of global warming without all the pain, suffering, and cost, & they are too closed minded & lazy to learn modern farming technology & practices (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKe0iGuKocR-gsU ). While geophysics is complicated, the Greenhouse Effect is rock solid science and basic physics first discovered by Eunice Newton Foote publishing a series of her experiments in 1856. When everywhere in the world digs up and accumulates trillions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere over 100 years millions of times faster than nature has even done before it is going to cause an unprecedented ecological and environmental impact. I want to introduce you to Dr Kerry Emanuel a Conservative voting oceanographer kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ-bg4OZm997a6c . I wish there were more people like him committed to science and not politics and emotion. *It’s funny how everyone is an expert and it’s a big “flat earth fake moon mission” world conspiracy until the first cyclone/etc warning hits and then they’re the first people to the door!* The cruellest & most shocking part of global warming is the liability of the economic cost, every country is vulnerable. Regional areas get hit first due to extreme drought, fires, & floods, & land becomes too expensive to insure. Agricultural areas starve and turn into obsolete ghost towns. A consensus of 95% of economists agree that a carbon pricing (carbon tax/emissions trading scheme) is the most efficient way to cut greenhouse emissions. Studies consistently show countries economies are better off under a carbon tax/ETS than using no mitigation (including China and India which both have an ETS). www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/jul/16/comprehensive-study-carbon-taxes-wont-hamper-the-economy , www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jan/04/consensus-of-economists-cut-carbon-pollution , www.worldbank.org/en/programs/pricing-carbon , en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_tax , skepticalscience.com/argument.php?p=2&t=111&&a=36 You may also want to kill your insurance policies as the Insurance Industry also takes climate change seriously! www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-23/the-suburbs-facing-rising-insurance-costs-from-climate-risk/11624108#climateriskhotspots , *”Insurance Council of Australia Public Statement on Climate Change”* www.insurancecouncil.com.au/issues-submissions/issues/climate-change , *"A Global Review of Insurance Industry Responses to Climate Change"* link.springer.com/article/10.1057/gpp.2009.14 *"Adaptation to Climate Change: Threats and Opportunities for the Insurance Industry"* link.springer.com/article/10.1057/gpp.2009.13 Highly land & economic efficient Green Chemistry, micro-algae natural carbon capture, regenerative farming, and other technologies and answers to solve the world's problems already exist but we are all too narrow minded and close minded to look! In ten years one way or the other we will realise the mistake Conservatism and radical capitalism is. Some Americans and a few others still can't comprehend this. We are all in this together! Let me try and put it into words Americans can understand "George Carlin - Save the planet? No, change yourself. (Why I m divorced from it now)" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ_PkHWkp7qroLc Peak fire season is January to February so the worst may be yet to come. This is not normal, not normal by a long way! *Please donate:* fundraise.redcross.org.au/event/fundraise-for-disaster-relief-and-recovery *Help Sydney Uni give koalas a drink:* crowdfunding.sydney.edu.au/project/8132/updates/1 *Dumbest. Government. Eva.:* www.change.org/p/gladys-berejiklian-provide-adequate-and-practical-respiratory-protection-for-firefighters-immediately/ Stay safe and good luck! Sources: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/factsheet-bushfire-management-and-national-environment-law *“The cause of Australia’s bushfires - what the SCIENCE says”* kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmHbZWljmtOrqaM *”Australia fires: Debunking 'arson emergency' claims - BBC News”* kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XZnnSDqL6qhLs *“Debate over hazard reduction burning | 7.30”* kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKDXn3iJqpaLY5Y *“Firefighters need more funding and resources to fight bushfires claim advocates | ABC News”* kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpStkmWCpJypbZY www.csiro.au/en/Research/OandA/Areas/Assessing-our-climate/State-of-the-Climate-2018/Australias-changing-climate , climatecollege.unimelb.edu.au/recent-australian-droughts-may-be-worst-800-years , www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub/drought-in-nsw , pubs.usgs.gov/dds/dds-81/Intro/facts-sheet/GasKillingTrees.html , skepticalscience.com/Increasing-Carbon-Dioxide-is-not-good-for-plants.html , www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/sep/19/new-study-undercuts-favorite-climate-myth-more-co2-is-good-for-plants

[@benjamin-rn5zn]

David Mathews just donate to the CFA or RFS

[@autisticme8592]

As former firefighter thank you to those who gave all they could to help both properties and life both human and animals and to those affected I hope you can rebuild and heal and to those who have lost loved ones may your grief be supported and your healing quick. RIP to all those who lost there lives 🙏🏻

[@Devourer221]

Love the old bloke in the cop car. Aussie attitude for sure

[@pinkmagicali]

I am so much in awe and admiration at people who, when the rest of us run away, run toward these monsters. I live in Sydney with family and friends in the Blue Mountains and wish I could do something, anything, when this happens. Firefighters are true heroes. I could never find the words to thank them. Thanks to them my family and friends kept their homes. Shane Fitzsimmons was amazing in this time. His approach, calm and blunt, was exactly what we all needed. Everyone I talked to said he was incredible. We have a policy in our family. Get out. No question, no delays. We're not firefighters, we're not equipped to deal with a garbage bin fire let alone this. We leave. And watching this makes me absolutely sure that we've got the right of it. How could anyone possibly fight that? The Gospers Mountain Fire was 350,000 hectares, New York city is 78,380! And if I EVER hear of cuts to firefighters ever again after hearing about 42:00 I'm going to smack someone! We should NEVER cut vital resources to those people...ever!

[@dandenardi4584]

Amazing! Setting aside the absolute heroic efforts of emergency personnel & the community during & after the fires, the journalistic capacity of 4 Corners continues to be outstanding. Thank you all

[@cakeofthepan2233]

That Awesome girl and her Awesome dad rock!~!

[@Gunshinzero]

They almost got turn into some. I would have been out of there.

[@rjlondon5801]

My aunt who lives there she got her training to combat these fires- glad her and the family are ok today 🙏🏽

[@AbStar_xx]

I'm in tears watching this. Our country has suffered so much from this apocalyptic horror.

[@RealCadde]

Why did it take KZbin 5 days to finally recommend this excellent footage to me? The number of actual on the scene footage with firefighters and police i've seen from Australia is now up to 4 whereas the rest of the world you are lucky to see a few glimpses from actual "in the thick of it" firefighting and the occasional personal video of people running through hell on earth in their cars.

[@ianfiddes9871]

Deepest respect to all who have literally lost everything, not forgetting those who knowingly walked into danger to help others and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

[@tree_addict280]

My dad is a Volunteer, and although he didn’t get to the massive ones, a pretty big fire threatened our town, and he and others helped us get through it.

[@cosmokramer8693]

😭😭💔💔🇦🇺❤️

[@ianfiddes9871]

@@tree_addict280 My youngest brother is the Fire Chief in the Falkland Islands, all the houses there’re timber built so people are extra cautious over naked flames, the biggest ongoing issue is peat bog fires in the summer which never really go out, then ship board fires that happen on the fishery boats (Squid Jiggers) which are an absolute nightmare to deal with; Myself I have been a fire warden/Marshall all my adult life fifty years + and never had to go through or deal with fires the like of which you have suffered in Australia my heart bleeds for you all. Thoughts and payers are with you

[@megank9865]

Thank you for posting this, there are many lessonsto be learned from this summer. Bushfire education should be incorporated into schools just as swimming has been for many years.

[@UniversityofLach]

Excellent idea

[@gilldavis1656]

God Bless and protect the people of Australia. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Sincere Condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.

[@elliethurston9056]

That is terrifying!!! The bravery of the members of the public and the emergency services completely astounds me.

[@panoptijohn]

Reminds me so much of the situation in Norcal. I think our Aussie brothers and sisters might have it even worse. Praying for everyone in Australia.

[@johnfromdownunder.4339]

Yeah go back to 2009 in Victoria Australia the hottest day in modern times and the most devastating fires plural, and 180 dead so yeah that is a lot worse than NorCal.

[@shanekonarson]

A lot of these Fire fighters are going to need our Help after this . As a Society as a nation we owe them A lot . So whether you are related or employ a Volunteer FF . Take Good care of them and Do what Veterans do for each other . Welfare Checks . and Ask R U Ok . Ptsd will be high amongst their ranks .

[@treadingtheboards2875]

Yes a lot of fire fighters are definitely going to need help, I have a friend who was a member of the CFA for many years but a life threatening incident a decade ago, where he and others on the truck were trapped by a wall of fire, brought on anxiety issues that he still suffers to this day. He is still helping as a volunteer, but is now with the Red Cross as a Trauma councilor, and has spent the last month or so visiting and helping front line fire fighters.

[@dannyvr91]

Well said mate, thank you

[@annetteross4138]

I have just watched the four corners Australian program. I only have words of thanks to the brave firefighters, an amazing effort. For every day the fires raged I got angrier and saddened, stunned at no response from a National level until too late. Frustrated beyond belief I am still angry.

[@tictaktotiki]

watching it all unfold from the safety of ''over the ditch''. omg. unbelievable. every day it was getting worse and worse. living hell, unimaginable.terrifying. my exact thoughts. i am angry too. why the hell ....did they not deploy your not insignificant military forces from day 1. like day 1. when,finally they did send in a few. it was almost ridiculous. like. hang on there. dont we have an army,a navy, an air foce. they could come in handy, dont ya think. what are they all doing,sitting watching their country burn to the ground. this total catastrophic epic scale disaster could have been scaled back to just a disaster. times they are a changing. bloody shocking, everyone knew it was going to be a bad fire season. so lets just do nothing different. she will be right mate. but . no. it f well was not right mate. words can not express my heartfelt sorrow to you all. all your animals and birdlife.

[@heatherhall3452]

It’s absolutely unacceptable and despicable! I hope this is fresh in the minds on voting day... they all need to be shown the door 🚪👋🏽😑 Bye Felicia - do not collect your $200 or your life long pensions on your way out! Disgrace to our Country!

[@liv_m008]

that clip of all the dead animals got me... and it brought the realization to the seriousness of this situation. I know this happened 2 years ago but my heart still aches for everyone who had to go through that. 💛

[@kurvapicsa]

AN excellent and very professional produced production that encapsulates a dark period in Australian history, our greatest national emergency since World War II

[@k8h991]

All those animals that didn’t have a chance. Bless.

[@stephaniedinaso4259]

Poor kangaroo jumping into the lake to get away from that hell fire made my heart sad💔😞..probably don't know what the heck is going on .the steam coming off of the kangaroo as he jump into water💔💔💔💔

[@dodgymalaka7345]

What about the people

[@christineanonymoud925]

@@stephaniedinaso4259 i would've tried to save the roos try to drag them into the boat i wouldn't of been able to live with myself if i couldn't save them so many animals and people suffered the animals getting the full force of the fires it breaks my heart as an animal lover to see it and it's hard to see so many brave firfighters and other people suffer to save everyone as an australian myself it was so devestating and awful to see on news 🙁😢😭💔

[@dodgymalaka7345]

@AlienFirefox I never said I don’t care about the animals, that’s bad to but what about the kid that died

[@dodgymalaka7345]

@AlienFirefox i know sadly

[@mikexxxmilly]

Unbelievable how these responders risked their lives in almost certainly fatal conditions to save others. They need a raise

[@gilbertmoyes2918]

Most of the responders are volunteers. They are paid nothing.

[@nidhichauhan4978]

Special thanks to ABC news. I saw this video with my two young daughters and we all feel sad . I pray to God to bless peace to Australia . Fire fighters hats off to you all . Feeling like crying Love from India

[@senpai_mangue6141]

"Didnt know my Ute could jump 2ft logs, *heh* but it did" thats my favourite quote

[@gloriaroberts8031]

thanks a lot for all those out there to fight the fires for us

[@waynejohnson493]

morrison also knew last year we needed those bombers but did nothing

[@bishoppolycarp9684]

Perhaps, though Australia's preparedness or lack there of is not limited to one government term.

[@lancearn7332]

​@@bishoppolycarp9684 Liberals have been in power for 7 years. Blaming previous governments is just passing the buck. Maybe he should have stayed in Hawaii..

[@baconliontigers985]

@Billy 2020 well NSW and Queensland were both liberal governments at the time

[@franceslock1662]

Aaron Salway’s story showed the toughness, grit and heart of rural Australians. The police and firefighters risked their lives to save civilians who didn’t evacuate when advised to. I’m sure future evacuation orders will be taken seriously and actioned.

[@6ixConfessions]

Most of us will be fortunate enough never to know first-hand what it's like to live through something as horrific as the 2019-20 Australian bushfires. It's as though the fires are a living breathing cognizant entity whose sole purpose is to destroy everything in its path. And there's very little that we can do about it. My heart goes out to all of those who were caught up in it. To those who fought bravely to save homes & lives. To the animals that perished in the fires & to those who are suffering still. And to those firefighters who gave their lives so unselfishly & to those people who died trying to defend their homes & /or their loved ones. When all is said & done, I hope some good comes out it. I hope the government allocates the funds needed to strengthen our country's defences against such an unrelenting & destructive enemy. I hope that the next time, & there will be a next time, we can use any lesson we've learned from these fires to be better prepared & better equipped to fight the next. I hope that when these fires are finally over & the last one dies down we can rebuild. I hope that we don't see any of our beautiful native animals disappear in five, ten or twenty years from the face of the earth. I hope that all Australians strive toward making this wonderful country of ours a better, safer place to live for our kids & wildlife & for future generations. Thank you ABC for allowing us to have a better understanding of what was really happening in Australia & still is. And to anyone else who has watched this, Australia still needs your help so please, don't be afraid to donate whatever you can afford to any one of the organizations that are set up to raise money so that Australia can recover from this devastating bushfire season.

[@lookingupwithwonder]

I want to hug all these people. The trauma that they have gone through. My heart 😢

[@ness4701]

My cousins were stuck at thst beach

[@lakuli7786]

Heartbreaking, horrifying, unbelievable, devestating.... Only few of many words that can describe this situation.

[@jaimepowell8027]

Wow, im am so sorry for everything you guys are going thru/went thru , all the homes lost, animals, and most of all the people who lost their lives,. My heart goes out to you all..

[@FionaEm]

Probably the best 4 Corners episode I've ever seen.

[@rockyroad7257]

RIP Barry Parsons. Always in my heart.

[@Irondrone4]

What sticks out to me about this documentary is the repeated phrase "It is too late to leave." That is an utterly terrifying concept. Our whole lives we are told to run away from fires and how to escape from them, and then suddenly you're being told that it's too late. You can't escape, even with firemen desperately trying to slow or stop the flames.

[@flamingstag2381]

5 star production ! im really hoping a part 2 is made !

[@fransmaroki]

i hope it gives the families of those firefighters some comfort their loved ones died in the most courage's way someone can, i hope all the families who lost loved ones can find day find peace themselves, you never forget these things.

[@tarahbear2264]

Our country is so amazing!!!God bless us all!

[@romaugustine729]

To all the brave firefighters and police on the front lines Australia my ❤️ goes out 2 U from 🇨🇦 sad 😢 but this made me understand the seriousness of the situation that all the brave firefighters and police went threw great documentary on the fire's

[@tree_addict280]

Using emoji’s makes the Sentence seem less surreal, but as an Aussie, I appreciate all the nice messages everyone from around the globe has sent to us throughout this.

[@heatherstub]

May all those who lost their lives to these fires rest in peace, and may their memories be eternal.

[@JasonBlack66]

What the hell? We are allowed to comment on this channel? In that case, I just wanna say: "Awsome Report/Video"

[@Kairos_Akuma]

You can thank the trolls and radicals and idiots for the fact we barely are allowed to comment.

[@auntyshakira747]

Watching this due to the devastating fires in Maui. Just wondering what caused the fire and why no warnings to evacuate?

[@Panda-gy5bs]

Those fire fighters are so brave

[@leeholmes9962]

To all you good brave people who fought the fire and lost your loved ones you. Have my sympathy RESPECT and my HEART GOSE OUT TO YOU ALL 👍

[@widdershins1796]

Never forget that during this horrific event...Your Supposed leader...racked off to Hawaii for a break. Remember that Australia.

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

Been trying to find the follow up story to this from the other side of the world

[@Ghastly10]

I was a member of the South Australian Country Fire Service, and for 14 years I have seen many things and been to many incidents but nothing like this.. And I can tell you It can get quite intense and scary at times..

[@verah619]

💐💐

[@thoth1999]

Thankyou,God bless you.

[@heatherstub]

I just subscribed to ABC News Australia's channel which has the playlist of the Four Corners investigations. I hope they're all still posted there, and so far, there are 110 items in that list.

[@AngelaBahrij]

This incredible documentary. Should be aired every spring time Lest we forget

[@peterpluim7912]

The bravery of the people and especially the firefighters can only command respect.

[@evolancer211]

Damn, I thought we had it bad in Northern California back in 2018. Nope doesn't compare to what Australia went through. Hope things are better currently even only slightly. It's scary to think that fire are only going to get worse...

[@peterfoley5870]

Masterpiece of presentation

[@Officially_Della]

This is a sign we should take care of the earth I feel so sorry for them I just can't believe how lucky I am

[@breechristie9486]

I am watching this in 2021 and it still breaks my hart I lived twice in Australia and have family there I have seen fires when I lived in Perth and I have to say give me a snow storm any day watching this now and I knew about it when it happened I am glad they put this video out I am part Australian my dad is from there people of Australia came together.From Bree Christie in Canada

[@romanr9977]

The animals on the side of the road 😭😭😭 RIP 50,000 🐨 on KI

[@sn4rff]

frightening indeed. all things considered, i think i'd rather have glasgow's unrelenting drizzling rain than the risk of these fires.

[@123lil6]

i am from the mid north coast, the fires greatly affected the farm and land of up river from kempsey. because of such little access to the main road and it being so far from the town of kempsey it was so difficult to put the fires out. at one stage the fires we left to burn out all the property and land because they didn’t have the resources or people to put it out while trying to prevent fires from hitting kempsey and other parts. the dark red sky and the burnt leaves falling over u as u left work was the most scary thing i have ever experienced and being told to stay home from work for a week was also scary. i cant imagine how farmers are still trying to recover from this tragedy today.

[@sylviakoziarski4912]

Prayers for the people who lost loved ones. Prayers to the people who lost everything. Prayers to the poor critters that lost their home and lives to the fires. Prayers to Australia.

[@hermikp9193]

I have a home I have food I have family Yet I still complain 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@KN-ko8ez]

This hit me different. Going to be more thankful and appreciative of what I have.

[@mikexxxmilly]

We all forget

[@swdoctor]

Absolutely frightening scenes.

[@tessarix]

*All this then, and now...Corona Virus.* Love to the Australian people everywhere in the land. They are the bravest and toughest in the world. I know that because I am an American that lived there for over three years once upon a time and completely fell in love with the countryside, the people and the beautiful Aussie boy, my lover Jon Roberson. Watching this video is beyond excruciating for me, _so I cannot even begin to know how the Aussies felt then and even now._ A runaway fire anywhere is horrific, but this was so beyond horrific for the incredibly beautiful place it was and is and will continue to be. I pray everyone is recovering well now.

[@gulamvira3644]

God be with you the firefighters and the volunteers and those who sacrificed their lives their souls be in eternal peace and God bless their families with courage at the loss of their loved one. Prayers from Tanzania for you all and for rains to help you to extenguse this terrible inferno

[@donaldmorrison9940]

If any of you live in rural areas, remember that on call fire crews are usually desperate for recruits, especially younger ones. Get signed up. As long as your reasonably fit and strong it’s the job for you. I’m on call in Scotland and it’s absolutely the more satisfying job. Cannot recommend it enough.

[@karendahl2415]

Thank you. Just telling it as it was - a nightmare reality. Smoke engulfs us to this day - unbreathable

[@K8E666]

My heart goes out to everyone affected by these horrific and devastating events... I’m so glad that I live in South Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 UK and not New South Wales Australia...We are surrounded by mountains and forests but we have an high average rainfall so we have a very low fire risk. Our average summer temperature has increased in the last decade but we still rarely go above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s rains a lot here - 33 to 43 inches a year in South Wales and up to 60 inches in the more mountainous areas. We’re incredibly lucky here in Wales, we have plenty of rain, a fair amount of sunshine in summer and winter, cold dry winters often with snow, gloriously rainy autumn days full of colour. We have very few wildfires, localised flooding can be a problem but not nearly on the scale you see elsewhere. I have family in Australia and as beautiful as it is, the wildfires have been absolutely devastating and it’s only getting worse... If we don’t slowdown the rate of climate change now some areas of Australia (and elsewhere) will become desolate because it’ll be too hot and therefore too dangerous to live there...

[@bobsingh7949]

A day and a half of fighting a raging fire that surrounds you. Wow. Stamina, will, courage. Knowing you did that must be a little consolation.....