Granddaughter of Binna Burra founder devastated after losing home and famous Lodge

The granddaughter of one of Binna Burra Lodge’s founding fathers has broken down into tears after losing her home to the savage blaze.

A BUSINESSWOMAN whose home was lost when a bushfire tore through Binna Burra broke into tears as she described the “apocalyptic” state of her town.

Lisa Groom’s home on Timbarra Rd was destroyed when a fierce fire descended Sunday morning.

About nine other homes on the street were also lost that night, despite the efforts of firefighters.

Several other structures, including commercial premises, were also damaged by fire.

Ms Groom, who operates International Park Tours, struggled to comprehend the damage wrought on Binna Burra, her home since she was a child.

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Lisa Groom is a granddaughter of one of Binna Burra's founding fathers and lost her home as well. Picture: Luke Mortimer

Her grandfather Arthur was one of the pioneering founders of the iconic Binna Burra Lodge, which was also lost in the blaze.

“It does look a bit apocalyptic (in town),” she said through tears, her voice shaking.

“I don’t even know what Binna Burra is going to be like (after the fire).

“But no lives were lost and everything else can be rebuilt.

“The fire response was incredible.”

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Ms Groom repeatedly thanked firefighters, who battled terrifying conditions on the windy night.

“I’d just to thank all the Fire and Rescue (workers) at every level,” she said.

“I didn’t even know my daughter was a fire warden until she rang me and said she was going back into the fire.”

Ms Groom was confident Binna Burra would rise from the ashes and rebuild better than ever.

“Magpies do it every day,” she smiled.

Aerial pictures over Binna Burra where visibility made it impossible to see the burn across Binna Burra Lodge. Pics Adam Head

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Speaking at the Old School at Beechmont, where a meeting was attended by State Development Minister Cameron Dick, Ms Groom linked the fires in the hinterland to climate change.

“We must respond and say this is a climate emergency. We’ve just experienced one right now on a micro scale,” she said.

“We have to build differently, we have to responding differently to this, because the land is dying. When I was travelling west, it’s even worse (the lack of rain).”

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An emotional Ms Groom cried “please don’t forget the farmers” and said “it’s desperate out there”.

“Our infrastructure has to respond to this. We have to respond on every level, micro and macro,” she said.

“And if the Australian Government doesn’t get the emergency we have, it’s incredibly disappointing from an international level.”

Ms Groom expected “we will have more of this”.

“Unless we start responding differently and planning differently,” she said.

Ms Groom, a mum of two older children, was hoping to go back to her property again today, where she will consider her next move.