The Little Desert bushfire burnt over 95,000 hectares
As residents of Dimboola were sitting down for dinner on Monday 27 January, they were given just over 30 minutes to safely evacuate before conditions became life-threatening.
Earlier that day, lightning had sparked a blaze in the Little Desert National Park. Initially, authorities believed Dimboola would be safe, but a sudden wind change pushed the fire directly toward the town, leaving little time to act.
“I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years, and I've never witnessed fire behaviour like that before,” said Dimboola Fire Brigade Captain Lyndon Kuhne.
“Many of us fought fires on Black Saturday around Horsham. That Monday night felt disturbingly similar, intense winds, extreme heat, and rapid-fire movement.”
In just one day, over 65,000 hectares burned.
As the fire closed in, firefighters weren’t just battling flames; they were facing the reality that their own homes and families were in serious jeopardy.
“As firefighters we tend to flip into fight mode, running toward what others are running from,” Lyndon said.
“But that doesn’t take away your thoughts. My mother and other family members still live here. I was thinking about them and whether they were safe.”
“For a small town like Dimboola, where everyone knows each other, the emotional weight was immense.
“We’re not just firefighters; we’re residents,” he added.
“Our families, friends, and homes were at risk. It's incredibly tough knowing you’re responsible for protecting both your town and your personal world.”
With conditions changing rapidly, the town’s swift evacuation was critical.
“One of the biggest factors in our favour was that people listened to the evacuation order.
“Those who could leave, left. That made all the difference.
“It meant we could focus on the job at hand without worrying if people were safe.”
The fire came dangerously close, breaching the north of town in places and jumping the river, the barrier between the town and the Little Desert.
“It came as close as we’d ever want it to.
“Any closer, and the outcomes could have been devastating.”
When all was said and done, over 95,000 hectares and three structures had been lost. But if it weren’t for the efforts of firefighters the losses could’ve been far greater.
In the days and weeks after the fire, Dimboola’s community spirit shone through.
Residents dropped off food, water and homemade treats.
Local businesses lent a helping hand. With one providing volunteers and equipment to assist in removing burnt fences, while another handed out free ice cream to firefighters, generously donated by locals.
The expressions of gratitude are set to continue, with the local hospital organising a thank-you gathering and the Shire Council planning a larger event to recognise emergency responders.
The fire tested Dimboola, but it also reinforced the town’s strength.
“You have to be tight knit to get through something like this,” Lyndon said.
“As soon as that evacuation message came through, our community showed its true spirit.
“And in the weeks since, the gratitude and support we’ve received has blown us away.
“On behalf of the brigade, we sincerely thank everyone for their incredible support.
“We’re also especially thankful for the wonderful professional support we received from visiting strike teams,” he added.
“The work they performed was invaluable.
“Protecting the town was truly a team effort, and together we succeeded.”