Black Forest

"On 13 January, fire swept almost the entire Black Forest, driven by a hot northerly gale. There were two deaths in the district."

By the beginning of January 1939, Woodend was encircled by many small fires, several of which were suspected as having been deliberately lit. After a hot northerly on 3 January, cooler conditions and light rain temporarily checked the fires on 4 January. By 10 January, conditions had worsened. A fire at Macedon had assumed huge proportions and New Gisborne was now threatened by the flames. On 13 January, fire swept almost the entire Black Forest, driven by a hot northerly gale.

There were two deaths in the district. William Doig, aged 70, was trapped in a shed on the property of Mr. W. Angus. He was badly burnt and died the following day in Kyneton hospital. William House, aged 60, was caught in the fire defending his home at Drummond. He died at Kyneton Hospital several days later.