Summary
Highlights
On February 7th, 2009, Victoria faced extreme fire conditions with temperatures over 40°C and gale-force winds. Fire authorities warned of the worst, but what transpired exceeded all expectations. The Kilmore East fire ignited due to downed power lines, spreading rapidly and uncontrollably, crossing a 100-meter freeway as if it didn't exist, signaling an unprecedented fire behavior.
As fires spread, warning systems struggled. A message about the Kilmore East fire's threat to towns like Stranathan was drafted but never sent to the CFA website. Meanwhile, a second major fire, deliberately lit in the Black Range State Forest, trapped Jenna Pritchard and her children at a river retreat. They narrowly escaped by taking refuge in a DSC truck and endured terrifying hours surrounded by fire and smoke.
By mid-afternoon, ten uncontrollable fires raged across Victoria, blocking major roads. A third fire, deliberately lit near Bendigo, threatened 100,000 residents. Tim Pasco, like many city dwellers, was unprepared but witnessed the fire's rapid advance, forcing him to flee his home. His neighbor, Mick Kain, tragically died trying to escape.
In King Lake West, Jason Lynn prepared to defend his home, while his wife Ruth decided to flee with their children, making a decision contrary to official advice. The fire, now exhibiting 'spotting' behavior up to 35 kilometers ahead of its main front, created fire tornadoes and extreme heat. Jim Baruta, armed only with a camera, captured the terrifying explosions of eucalyptus gases and the overwhelming force of the fire.
As Daryl Hull filmed the approaching smoke in Marysville, residents like Pam and Greg Cherry began to realize the extent of the danger. Despite some preparing their homes, many, initially unconcerned, found themselves in unprecedented peril. The siren meant to alert locals to danger was silenced, as firefighters were already overwhelmed. Pam reluctantly left her husband Greg to defend their business, the Crossways Inn.
The forecast southerly wind change turned a 5 km wide fire into a 50 km front, devastating new areas. King Lake was among the first in its path. Mick and Jen Clark, along with their family and neighbors, sheltered in their brick home, believing it to be a safe house. Despite some warnings finally appearing, the fire enveloped the town, trapping and consuming many lives, including five family members of the Clarks.
The Churchill fire, pushed by the wind change, tore through the Strzelecki Ranges. In Kooligai, 97-year-old Charlie Richardson, a veteran of the 1939 fires, lost his home and was severely burned. In Strathewen, Mary Evola awaited news of her husband Peter, who had tried to escape by car. CFA Captain David McGay found widespread devastation and confirmed the deaths of his close friend Peter and many others in the town.
Marysville, nestled in a valley, became a fire trap as the wind change brought a 'meteor shower' of embers, attacking the town from above. Fire crews were forced to take refuge at the oval, unable to respond to urgent calls for help. Daryl Hull filmed the horror, watching the entire town burn, while residents like the Denhams, who had fled Buxton, heard conflicting reports about the safety of Marysville.
Jason Lynn, severely burned and hospitalized, was reunited with his safe wife and children, who had miraculously escaped by taking to the road. Jen Clark, burned and fighting for her life, was comforted by her husband Mick, who grappling with the loss of five family members, struggled with immense grief and guilt. Miraculously, Greg Cherry survived by saving the Crossways Inn. The Denham family, fleeing the fires, joyfully welcomed a new life, Casper, just after midnight on Sunday, symbolizing hope amidst the widespread devastation and loss of 173 lives.