Harcourt residents are assessing the aftermath of the devastating Ravenswood fire, which has already destroyed over 50 structures in the area. The fire ignited on Friday and, among the 10 major fires burning across Victoria, it has proven to be the most destructive so far.
On Saturday morning, authorities confirmed that at least 50 structures, many of them in Harcourt, had been lost. The town is located in the Central Highlands, northeast of Castlemaine. As the assessment of damage continues, authorities warn that the number of destroyed structures is likely to rise.
David Fiddelaers, one of Harcourt's residents, found himself in a dire situation. He and his family live on a property in the town's north. Learning about the fire on Friday afternoon, he initially planned to assist the Country Fire Authority (CFA) but soon realized the danger to his own home. The fire grew in intensity, with smoke and flames visible from his property.
As the situation became more critical, Fiddelaers had to evacuate his family, leaving him to defend their property. Despite being three or four kilometers from the fire front, a change in wind direction brought the flames dangerously close. The CFA managed to create a firebreak, but the blaze came within 50 meters of Fiddelaers' fence line.
Judy Gleeson, another Harcourt resident, described the scene as a 'glowing mess' as the fire tore through the town and entered the thick bushland of Mount Alexander Regional Park. She evacuated with her dog, packing essential items like a photo of her mother, her expired passport, and food for her dog. Her home and a neighbor's house were saved by the CFA, but the rest of her street was destroyed, leaving her with a view of a blackened hill.
Bruce Rae, another resident, considers himself fortunate. He returned home on Saturday morning to find his property and cattle untouched by the blaze. However, he expressed sadness for his friends who lost everything. The fire was particularly devastating for Harcourt's major employer, the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Stores, which holds valuable supplies and products for growers.
Coolstore Road bore the brunt of the fire, with several homes and a cafe destroyed. The overall impact on the town is described as 'pretty horrific' by Rae, who also noted the loss of numerous buildings and farms in the area.
