Firefighters and emergency services personnel have managed to minimise losses across the state in what were some of the worst fire conditions Victoria has seen since the 2019/20 Black Summer fires.
On what was predicted to be a disastrous day, the tireless efforts of Victorian firefighters and the proactive action of communities, meant homes and other assets were able to be protected.
Tragically, one residential home was lost in Moyston along with seven sheds and other non-residential structures in Moyston and one in Pomonal.
There have also been reports of stock losses, as well as bee hive, fencing, pasture and hay losses from the Grampians fire.
However, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman, stressed the damages could have been a lot worse if it weren’t for the efforts of firefighting crews.
“Without their hard work, we would have had much bigger fires causing much bigger damage,” CFO Hardman said.
“On behalf of all Victorians I would like to thank them because what they did on Boxing Day in extreme fire danger saved a lot more anguish and pain that Victorians now don’t have to suffer.”
Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent echoed sentiments of thanks to the crews who have been on the front line.
“Thank you to our amazing volunteers and professional firefighters, they have done an amazing job right across the state,” EMC Nugent said.
“Most of our volunteers missed out on Christmas Day with family and friends, as they continue to work day and night around the clock to keep our communities safe and support our community members in this time of need.”
Thousands of firefighters worked across the state on Boxing Day to ensure communities were kept safe, supported by emergency sector partners including Fire Rescue Victoria, VICSES, local government and our interstate counterparts.
More than 1,000 firefighters were specifically focused on the Grampians fire which is expected to burn for weeks to come.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Hardman also thanked communities for their cooperation.
“I want to acknowledge the community members who have listened to the messages and requests from emergency services. It is a partnership, it makes life so much easier and the community have been absolutely fantastic,” CFO Hardman said.
“I would like to commend their support of what we have been trying to do out there.”
Commissioner Nugent said the next week would provide favourable conditions for the current fires in the landscape.
“Weather over the next week looks relatively stable. This will allow us time to stabilise the fires and continue backburning operations, and look to support the community further,” EMC Nugent said.
There is still work to be done to assess the full extent of damage caused and those assessments will take place when it is safe for assessors to access effected areas.
Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including:
- VicEmergency app
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
- Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
- Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X
Media contact:
State Control Centre Media: 1300 287 289
