At least two timber mills and fourteen homes were destroyed near Buxton, and the township itself was menaced. Only the desperate efforts of every available man, with the help of women and children, saved the latter catastrophe. Mr N Paget’s mill, with ten workmen’s homes, was demolished. Bromfield’s mill was saved after children had been rushed to safety, but the Erica Hardwood Co.’s mill went.

When it was discovered that eight men, six women and six children were at this mill and could not get through the flames, Mr J Hawsen, forest foreman, braved the inferno, to discover the mill in ruins and only three small shacks standing out of fourteen. In these the men, women and children were found, exhausted. The district forest officer, Mr A C Ure, later said that their escape had been amazing.

[HG, 14/1/39]

...a fire along Chum Creek Valley on Tuesday [10/1] devoured the homes of 17 residents. Even though the flames scorched the walls, the West Healesville post office was saved. Until positively driven out, the postmistress (Mrs Eddie) stayed at the switchboard putting through calls for help. When Mr Eddie returned later he was astounded to find that the building, though smouldering in one place, was intact.

[HG, 14/1/39]