Social Media networks fired-up as people swarmed across their social networks to keep eachother up to date on the Fire's progress and recovery efforts.

Networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Flckr were a vital source of information for many people as the devastation unfolded.

Even the mainstream media organizations jumped onboard the social networking sites to help keep readers informed using their vast news resources.

Google created a special mapping site using its Google maps tool to display graphically the location and status of fires, as did Aus-emaps.com.

I've been using Facebook for quite some time now. I originally set it up when Facebook was fairly new and it was more for business professionals to provide a way to connect with like-minded contacts.

I also use Linked-in, which is another cool way to connect with other professionals.

Now almost every man and his dog uses Facebook to share all of their lives with friends, family and just about anyone who can find them. - Neil