LIFE SAVERS
Our hero fireys share tales from the frontline as blaze battle continues
FIREFIGHTERS from across the Geelong region are in the thick of heroic efforts to protect homes and livestock as the fires that have destroyed 18 homes and killed thousands of animals continue to burn across Victoria’ southwest.
A CFA spokeswoman said 325 volunteers and 25 vehicles from District 7 were on the fire grounds as part of strike and re- lief teams near Terang and Scotts Creek.
Ocean Grove CFA’s Noel Grant told of battling the flames through the night “with large trees burning and embers flying for 20 to 30m ahead.”
HEARTLESS thieves stole hundreds of dollars from a cafe as people were evacuating raging bushfires in the state’s southwest on Saturday night.
Cash stolen from the Latte on High cafe in Terang included donations to charity.
Owner Beverley Carroll said her cafe was broken into late at night while locals were busy ducking for cover.
“They smashed in through the back and stole money from the till,” Ms Carroll said.
Boxes full of donations to a range of charities were snatched from the top of the cash till.
Leading Senior Constable Lee Thomson said detectives were now investigating.
It comes as communities in Victoria’s southwest were left counting the cost following the destructive fires.
At least 18 homes were destroyed in the fires but that number could rise as residents return to their properties.
People were yesterday seeking shelter at relief centres while waiting to be allocated temporary housing.
And the impact on the area’s farming community is expected to be devastating, with thousands of livestock lost and more than 15,000 hectares of prime pastoral and farm land scorched.
Meanwhile, a young couple will spend their first wedding anniversary putting their lives back together after their home was lost in the fires.
Rebecca Jones and her husband Barney had only just finished renovating their four- bedroom home in Elingamite when it was wiped out during the horrific fires.
“It’s something you can never prepare yourself for,” Ms Jones said.
Ms Jones was scrolling through Facebook on her phone when she discovered a video posted by her neighbour of fires bearing down on their home. “We felt like sitting ducks,” she said.
It was a call from her father that confirmed her worst fears before they returned to their property.
“Within 20 minutes, we could see the flames coming to the house,” she said.
The young couple managed to save their pet dog and grab some clothes before retreating to Mr Jones’ father’s home.
They were forced to evacuate again to a friend’s house in Warrnambool when the bushfires again began to threaten.
Ms Jones said the community’s help and support had kept the couple going.
“We appreciate everything the volunteers have done over the last 24-48 hours, fighting fires in their own backyard, knowing their house could be next,” she said.
“Nothing can explain the feeling of losing something you’ve worked so hard for but at least we have our lives.”
Anyone with any information about the theft from the cafe should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimei stoppersvic.com.au.