Victoria’s terrifying bushfire season has unleashed a firestorm of devastation across the state’s north-west, as catastrophic out-of-control infernos bear down on towns, forcing mass evacuations amid fears of significant property losses. The unfolding disaster has seen residents of Dimboola and Wail frantically flee for their lives after dire warnings that it was too late to leave.
In a grim sign of the destruction to come, the Little Desert Nature Lodge in Nhill, west of Dimboola, has already been razed to the ground as the bushfire raged with unstoppable ferocity fueled by tinderbox conditions. Emergency authorities confirmed the main building and a number of cabins at the popular eco-retreat had been completely destroyed.
Deadly ‘Leave Now’ Warnings as Fire Takes Off
With the fire exploding to over 64,500 hectares at a terrifying speed, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan gravely warned residents of Dimboola that it was now too late to leave as the 1600-strong town faced a “very serious and real risk” from the approaching inferno.
“That fire has taken off, it’s taken off really, really quickly. In just a matter of hours the size of that fire spread to 64,500 hectares.”
– Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan
As the sky turned an apocalyptic orange and smoke choked the air, locals raced to evacuation centers while firefighters battled to contain the blaze amid the loss of at least one farm house. Over 250 frightened residents arrived at a relief center in Horsham after fleeing the devastation.
Little Desert Lodge Devastated
News of the Little Desert Nature Lodge’s destruction sent shockwaves through the community, with camp director Moshe Kahn confirming the beloved eco-retreat, known for its unique wildlife experiences, had been razed.
“Little Desert Nature Lodge has long been a haven for those seeking to connect with nature, offering eco-friendly accommodation, birdwatching, and unique wildlife experiences in an extraordinary natural environment. While the loss of the lodge is a significant blow, we are comforted by the knowledge that no lives were at risk.”
– Little Desert Nature Lodge camp director Moshe Kahn
Grampians Tourist Hotspot Under Threat
Meanwhile, a second out-of-control bushfire is tearing through the Grampians National Park, a popular tourist destination in Victoria’s west. Emergency warnings have been issued for Strachans, Victoria Point and Victoria Valley as the 180-hectare blaze threatens private properties and campgrounds in the area.
Exhausted Crews Face Weeks-Long Battle
Fire authorities warn the battle to control the massive blazes could take weeks, with crews bracing for challenging conditions despite a cool change after Monday’s blistering heat. The risk of dry lightning strikes sparking new fires in the coming days means exhausted firefighters can expect little reprieve.
“We can also have scenarios where dry lightning starts a fire in a tree stump, for example, it might not show up for another week or two. We’re probably expecting that we’re going to be fairly busy out of what we saw moved through the state yesterday.”
– State Control Centre spokesperson Luke Heagerty
Counting the Toll as Communities Reel
As the full extent of the destruction wrought by the bushfires comes to light in the days ahead, Victorian communities face the heartbreaking task of rebuilding. For residents who narrowly escaped with their lives, the road ahead will be long as they count the cost of the disaster.
With tinder dry conditions and searing temperatures turning the state into a powder keg, Victorians are being urged to have their bushfire survival plans ready as the most dangerous part of the bushfire season puts lives and homes at risk.
