By any measure, the past 12 months have been tragic for Kerry Dare. But as plumes of dark grey and black smoke edge closer to her home in Wieambilla, her humour and resilience is remarkable.
Almost a year after her husband Alan was gunned down in the driveway of their neighbour's property on Queensland's western downs, Kerry is facing another crisis.
"We're not stranded, we've got power, sausages in the fridge … but no iced chocolate, so I guess it's only half good," Ms Dare laughed.Wieambilla is speck on the map where people seeking a quieter world carve out a self-sufficient life in the harsh, thick bushland.ABC Emergency brings warnings and coverage of emergencies to one place before, during and after times of crisis and disaster.
It is the second time this year that fires have threatened Kerry's home after flames crept close to her property in January."It's déjà vu … fire has been all around us again. But never reached our road," she explained.The land in this part of Queensland's Western Downs is harsh and forested, thick bushland ripe for burning after another dry winter.
"We're here to slow life down and relax. But it's been a little stressful these last couple of days," he admitted."I knew this area had endured all this tragedy, and I had endured my own tragedy, and maybe it's difficult for someone else to understand, but I feel like I'm supposed to be here, supposed to be part of this."Reminders of the danger are all around.
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