Western Victoria

"Holiday makers Freda, Eric and Rex Habel were badly burnt when their car was caught by flames. Over the next month, all succumbed to their burns."

In the Western District of Victoria, the fires were largely confined to the scrub and forested country north and west of Portland. However, a few fires broke out around the Grampians and were to lead to further fatalities.

Holiday makers Freda, Eric and Rex Habel were badly burnt when their car was caught by the flames as they fled towards Stawell. Over the next month, all three succumbed to their burns.

Those in the car ahead of them escaped unscathed. At Moyston, grazier Charles Cattenach was killed trying to save his sheep. His body was found near his burnt-out hut with those of his dog and his horse. Albert McGinty was severely burnt after a fire was started near the Sapfor Sawmills at Casterton. McGinty, a child, later died.