The battle against several bushfires across the state continues, with local firefighters beginning to return from the front, describing “devastating” scenes.
More than 500 structures, including 179 homes, have been destroyed and 1,000 farming properties have been affected by bushfires sparked last week.
One person, Max Hobson, has been killed by the bushfires after his body was found in the wake of the fire that devastated Longwood.
Around 400,000 hectares have been burnt, with several major bushfires still ongoing across Victoria as of Wednesday 14 January.
Many local firefighters formed strike teams or joined others to help combat the fires. Members of Pakenham Fire Brigade are currently deployed to Central Victoria.
One member, Shymma Harris, recently returned from deployment to Yea and surrounds.
Two others left on Wednesday evening, where they were briefed at Alexandra.
The brigades of Cardinia are now on a rotation, where they are on call to assist with firefighting efforts, typically for three days before returning home.
Pakenham Captain Nathan Thorpe said he was proud of the efforts of his brigade and others.
“It’s outstanding from the volunteers. The effort to work around their lives and families is amazing, and the effort they put in all year round for the community is incredible,” he said.
Tynong Fire Brigade also had a busy week, with a tanker and crew deployed to Longwood on Saturday and returning on Monday.
Captain David Glazzard took up the role of Deputy Strike Team Leader for a crew in Alexandra.
He arrived on Saturday and described the scene in Alexandra as devastating.
One member of his strike team was part of the Alexandra brigade and continued to fight the fires alongside Mr Glazzard while knowing his home had been lost.
Crews were on 12-hour shifts, with Mr Glazzard’s first shift running from 12pm on arrival until 12am. By that stage, the main objective was asset protection, to retain what was left after the fire roared through on Friday.
“The sky was just grey and black,” he said.
“You could see where houses and sheds used to be. It was really heartbreaking and devastating.”
However, even in the fire’s wake, Mr Glazzard said he was heartened by the courage of the community, particularly the Alexandra Fire Brigade.
Their station was the staging post for the overall firefighting effort, Mr Glazzard explained, and the brigade support team spent their time ensuring hundreds of firefighters were fed and rested.
Made up mostly of families of brigade members, many of the Alexandra support team did this while knowing their homes were gone and their community was devastated.
“They did an awesome job. It was unbelievable,” Mr Glazzard said.
Many other brigades have also been deployed.
A tanker from Officer Fire Brigade was deployed to Longwood last week, and another tanker from Bunyip Fire Brigade was called to fires south of Ballarat.
More crews are expected to be deployed as the rotation of brigades across the state continues.
If you wish to support those affected by the bushfires, you can donate to the state government’s 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Financial donations are now open at: vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal
