The Newspaper extracts describe the most dramatic elements of the Black Friday story as it was unfolding, the year leading up to the fire and the devastating aftermath.

You can select by date or place or from reports published in both Regional newspapers and City newspapers.

Walhalla

Tuesday was another ‘black’ day in the history of the district. Dense smoke enveloped the town, and it seemed as if anything might happen. Some folk imagined the end of the world was coming! At times it was difficult to see more than a hundred yards. Lights had again to be switched on before midday and kept on for the rest of the day.

Narracan Shire Advocate, 13/1