The Day it All Went Down

The heat hit me, boiling like a kettle. The crunches and crackles of leaf litter echoed in the air as it layed in the withered grass.

We made it out, just before the blaze swallowed the town.

Ashes flew across the streets. I spotted them while trying to brush the fear off my shoulders.

Mother froze, her eyes stared at the TV. Then she looked towards us, tears flowing like fountains down her face. I hugged her, her hugs made me feel safe, calm.

The fire enlarged, becoming bigger than ever, stronger, tougher.

It would take more than water to win this horrific war.

Smoke flew into the air and the sky turned grey. Thick clouds of pollution pierced the atmosphere. The bushfire was finally over.

Firefighters fought the on going blaze, helicopters held water to pour over the relentless flames.

Hours that felt like days pass by, the blaze calmed down.

Tree by tree, one by one, fell dead in the growing fire. A new terror has entered the bushes.<br/>

We drove for a while, in the road that was once empty. Traffic was horrendous, long lines of cars flooded the roads. 

That night, I stayed at my aunty's house. Not knowing if i'd ever see my home again.

Fear screamed loudly in my head as I grasped father's warm hands. It was time to leave, it was not safe here.

My heart shattered as I watched the news. It showed the house I lived my whole life, burnt to a crisp in the devastating fire.