A brigade commander with the fire department and his brother are grappling with the devastating loss of their homes after a bushfire swept through their small town in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
Tyrone Rice, who has dedicated 48 years to the County Fire Authority (CFA), was actively battling one of the many bushfires tearing across the state when he learned that his own home in Harcourt was under threat.
“By the time I found out, it was too late; my house was already engulfed in flames,” he shared with 9News.
Other frontline responders also lose their homes
In the town of Alexandra, volunteer firefighter Michael Harper was on the frontline for more than 20 hours, working tirelessly to protect the homes of others.
During his efforts, he tragically lost his own home, where he had lived for a decade, to the fire.
Additionally, Murrindindi’s Mayor, Damien Gallagher, who was part of the team combating the blaze, received news that his house had also been destroyed by the fire.
“The intensity of the heat is incredible,” he said.
“And with my crew, the guys on the back did an incredible job in some tough situations where they couldn’t breathe.”
But he came back to find a miracle – his home still standing.
“We really need to pour our hearts out to the community members, many of whom are coming home to no home,” he said.
