A debt of thanks for bravery that defied fire

A Markwood resident whose home was narrowly saved from a devastating fire last week has applauded the “extraordinary” efforts of emergency services and the kindness of the community in their time of need. The 385ha fire damaged area continues to be patrolled by fire crews more than a week after it tore through the Henley Ridge Estate and destroyed two homes and numerous other structures. At least 11 homes were under immediate threat when the fire broke out about 1:30pm last Thursday and at least eight were saved. Markwood resident Leonie Brien said her 43-acre property and house was quickly besieged by fire. “A spark on the Snow Road had become a grassfire next door and was rapidly heading up our bush gully towards our home,” she said. “A call to triple zero, a quick closing of windows and curtains, grabbing of important documents, and collecting at-the-ready fire-protective clothing, and we were off down the driveway.” The family of three and pet dog Buddy watched on as fire trucks, helicopters, water bombing planes and police came to contain the fire. “We were preparing ourselves for the loss of our home,” Ms Brien said. “But worse than that was dealing with the dreaded fear of lives potentially being lost.” Ms Brien said firies courageously entered the inferno, which had quickly spread into the steep terrain of Henley Ridge Estate and beyond, placing more lives and properties at risk. “The people we met on the roadside for the rest of that day were vibrating with a pulpable spirit of community,” she said. “CFA volunteers, in the main, who worked with efficiency, confidence and outstanding bravery – no accolades sought. “They simply said they were ‘there to help’”. Owner of the nearby Milawa Motel, Chris Eawlawsky, knows the destruction of fires all too well. Mr Eawlewsky was an operator at a caravan park during the devastating 2019/2020 fires at Mallacoota, which trapped thousands of holiday goers and community members in the isolated town and took many homes. Half of Mr Eawlewsky’s caravan park was lost in that blaze. When about six people, including Ms Brien, came by the hotel on Thursday night looking for refuge, Mr Eawlewsky opened his doors and either gave free or discounted rates. “When fires take your home it’s the little things that mean a lot,” he said. “I know how devastating fires are, it’s not something you want to go through. “It was a pleasure for us to be able to help.” Those whose homes were saved were able to return to their properties on Sunday night and assess the damage for themselves. Ms Brien said her blackened property will recover in time, and although the flora may be charred the fauna continues to flourish. “The birds are singing around our home, the antechinus are scurrying about in the garden, the possums are high in the grey box canopies, and even the goannas are settling back in,” she said. At the height of the blaze, about 250 firefighters and nine aircraft were on scene. Ms Brien expressed her deepest and sincere gratitude to all who gave their service during the peak of the fire, and who continued to show their care and concern to those impacted. “Our home, along with many others, was saved; our heart goes out to those who were not so fortunate,” she said. “Our sincere thanks to the people who preserved so much life last week… I want you to know you are greatly valued and tremendously appreciated. “We are enormously grateful and so very proud of our wide and wonderful rural community.”

A debt of thanks for bravery that defied fire

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