MY SON and I live in Bailup at the centre of the fire which started on February 1.
We watched as the smoke became darker and thicker.
Kangaroos appeared at the top of the hills and one of the poor roos was on fire. My heart broke and for the first time in my life I wished I had a rifle.
We packed what we could into the Hyundai, which wasn’t a lot – two cats, one bird, the dog, David’s Playstation, plus a few other things.
Then we went and caught the two horses, brought them down from the top paddock and put their halters on.
I had decided to go to Mundaring, but we had only driven 100m down Toodyay Road when we were met by a wall of flames.
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I turned the car around and headed towards Toodyay thinking our horses were going to die.
Then I decided we would drive a little further down the road, park the car, run back and grab the two horses. It was not to be.
The police were parked near the moto-cross track at Aspen Road. We were waved over and I told them my plan regarding the horses and was told it was too late.
We were not allowed to go back. Both in tears we continued on to Toodyay.
Are we angry at the police? No, they were doing their job.
We arrived in Toodyay around 6.30pm where we met our first hero, a lovely young man named Nick.
We told him about the fire and he offered to look after Lucky as we were going to stay at the caravan Park.
We had no idea how long it would be before we could return home, but Nick was still prepared to take Lucky.
Nick, you and your mum helped make a really bad day just a little better. You cared for Lucky like he was your own. To do that for people you don’t know, in our eyes, you and your mum are heroes.
Our next heroes are the Heartlands Veterinary Hospital staff who gave our two cats, Same and Shane and bulldog Molly somewhere to stay.
After having animals for five and a half days Heartlands told us there was no charge and suggested we donate to a wildlife fund caring for animals after the fire.
Many thanks also to Kevin and his lovely wife who own the Toodyay Caravan Park – you and the staff were all there for us when we needed to talk to someone.
Last, but not least, the lovely ladies at the Op Shop, thanks … oh, and the gentleman who made us laugh.
As for the horses, they survived the fire. After being without feed or water for five days our next hero was Ashley (found by Heartlands).
Our angel Ashley took water and feed out to the horses and chooks. Ashley, here’s to you and thanks a million.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the strangers who stepped up to help us.
Yvonne and David
Bailup
