Two homes lost in Badger Creek
.jpg "Photo: Graeme Bates, Healesville Fire Brigade")
Photo: Graeme Bates, Healesville Fire Brigade
Badger Creek Fire Brigade responded to a structure fire at about 11.30pm on Flora Avenue on 25 May after multiple triple zero calls.
Crews arrived to find a home fully engulfed in flames.
The fire was driven by gusty winds that caused high flame heights and clouds of embers.
These embers were driven by the wind underneath the neighbouring house and that was soon well alight too.
The strong winds made it difficult to bring the fires under control and sadly both homes were lost.
Badger Creek First Lieutenant and Incident Controller Sara Poynton said crews worked incredibly well in the conditions.
“It was exceptional work by the fire crews who worked tirelessly under the severe conditions. They managed to protect any further threatened properties from catching fire as well,” Sara said.
Badger Creek was supported by Healesville, Coldstream and Hillcrest brigades, Yellingbo Rehabilitation Unit and the Bayswater Breathing Apparatus van.
Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria were also on scene.
Fortunately, all the occupants were woken by the sound of the fire and were safely outside the houses when the brigades arrived.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.