Black Saturday Fires

Where were you that day that the fire broke out and what was your immediate reaction?

I can’t remember the exact day that it broke out but I do remember we were at school in Belgrave and a fire came over from Ferntree Gully and the school went into lock-down and all the roads to get to our school was blocked off so mum and dad couldn’t get to me. I remember looking out the window and seeing the flames over the trees and absolutely freaking out.

How were you/your family/communities affected by these fires?

My communities were effected very bad because I lived in Avonsleigh and there were fires in every direction so we couldnt get out. Ever since then I have always had a massive fear of bush fires and once they were over I remember every where I went all I could see was black.

Do you think the government response was adequate and/or effective?

I think it was the …

I had a house in Flowerdale that survived the fires. Problem was it RAINED for £ WEEKS SOLID before the fires! it was SO unexpectedly cold that Christmas we were buying beanies and getting coats from charity shops, when it should have been 35 degrees Celsius. The problem was then came dry heat…which to dried out all the new growth which became a tinder box waiting for the loony to light the match. obviously everything is multi factorial bit be very clear the Rain contributed to these fires

We survived by the grace of God. We do have a story to tell also in great detail and photos.  We have lived with this for 7 years and it will never leave us ever.

Where were you that day that the fire broke out and what was your immediate reaction?
In Kinglake township. Fought the fires in Kinglake township area.

How were you/your family/communities affected by these fires? 
Father lost his home. Lost friends.

Do the effects of that event still linger on after all these years? 
Suffer from PTSD today.

Do you think the governement response was adequate and/or effective?
No.

Is there anything that could have been done by the government/the local offices to prevent this tragic event?
Yes. Back-burning. Better communications.

Do you personally believe that climate change has something to do with the eruption of bush fires, rising heat waves and rising sea levels?
Yes.