Much will be written on Victoria’s devestating fires - tales of personal loss, tragedy, injury, arsonists and arrests. Yet today’s The Australian contains a gripping first-hand account of one man’s battle in the midst of inferno. Gary Hughes escaped with his life and counts himself fortunate. To date 108 have perished in the flames. Read how a silly, gift keyring from his daughter saved a family’s life.

“THEY warn you it comes fast. But the word “fast” doesn’t come anywhere near describing it.

It comes at you like a runaway train. One minute you are preparing. The next you are fighting for your home. Then you are fighting for your life.

But it is not minutes that come between. It’s more like seconds. The firestorm moves faster than you can think, let alone react.”

I implore you - read the full story.

To make a donation for families of the fires, go to Red Cross Australia.