Yesterday morning, after a strengthening southerly pushed the line of smoke towards us, a small explosion in the middle distance signalled that some rather large trees were on fire. A building column of black smoke confirmed it.

Amid increasing activity from fire-fighting aircraft, we decided to return to our friends in Hepburn Springs. There I picked up phone messages on my mobile and – wonder of wonders – returned them. To everyone who’s travelled with us through these nervous times, a heart-felt thank you.   

During our homeward journey this morning, a police roadblock denied us access to the main road – possibly because of fire activity, or maybe because of thick smoke – so we made a detour on the dirt road through the forest, mercifully untouched by the current spate of fires. 

To assure ourselves it was safe to return home, we drove to the top of the hill for a look-see. South, towards Melbourne, a layer of heavy black cloud hung low. We guessed it was raining down there. Ah, rain… we dream of it. 

Above the dark clouds lay a lighter band of smoke. Only one small area of forest seemed to be on fire in our immediate area, but we couldn’t see to the south of Daylesford where the worst of the fires have been burning. 

It seems that for now, in this area at least, the situation is well under control thanks to the valiant efforts of the CFA, but we remain alert for any change. Click here to see a map of fire activity; I can’t verify that it’s been updated recently. If you’re in this area, make sure you tune in to ABC Ballarat for regular updates.

A few burnt and blackened leaves lie in the garden and on the decks around the house. Due to the prevailing winds, the property’s been spared this time. Friday’s weather forecast sounds threatening, though, and today we’ll concentrate our efforts on clearing leaf litter and saplings from the front of the property, in anticipation of the direction of winds on that day. 

I’ve heard that two huge concerts – ‘Sound Relief’ – have been scheduled simultaneously for Sydney at the SCG, and Melbourne at the MCG, on March 14. Proceeds will aid bushfire disaster survivors.

Suffering from ’sausage sizzle fatigue’, folk around the country can now breathe a collective sigh of relief that there’s to be an alternative fundraiser on the scene.

‘Sound Relief’ has a wonderful lineup, including re-formed bands Crowded House, Hunters & Collectors, Split Enz and Midnight Oil, as well as chart-toppers Jet, Coldplay, Augie March, Wolfmother, Kings of Leon and many more.

If transport could be organised to the MCG – from Kinglake, Whittlesea, Marysville and other badly affected areas – some of those who’ve lost loved ones and homes might welcome a brief respite from their grief. Hopefully, Michaels Gudinski and Chugg have already thought of this. 

For the rest of us, tickets will be on sale on March 3. If you can, go.