Bundoora residents, police recount ‘sheer terror’ of Plenty Gorge fire
Homeowners in Bundoora watched on in terror as a bushfire tore through nearby parkland and gutted a children’s playground. Police said it was an event “like no other”, while one couple was forced to flee with just cash and their passports.
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Homeowners and first responders have spoken of the “sheer terror” they felt as flames whipped past homes and tore through bushland at Plenty Gorge last week.
It comes after Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau’s visit to the fire-ravaged parklands today where she met traumatised locals and heroic emergency services personnel.
Mill Park constable Brett Wood was one of the first responders at the scene and told the Leader rows of fire trucks were parked in front of homes, ready to fight the blaze which started about 9am on December 30.
“They formed this massive wall and you knew it was big,” Constable Wood said.
“When you hear ‘fire’ and ‘Plenty Gorge’ you know it will be a hectic response and all hands on deck because it’s such a dense area — it borders homes and is home to hundreds of animals.
“There were literally animals running everywhere, right through us, around in circles — I had never seen anything like it before.”
Bundoora couple Hoon and Sam Sim evacuated their home moments after the fire destroyed a children's playground, only metres from their Worcester Cres house.
Mrs Sim told the Leader they fled to Coles University Hill with only their passports and money.
“It was very scary — the flames were getting higher, the smoke was so thick and embers were flying everywhere,” she said.
“If it wasn’t for the firefighters we would have lost everything.”
Marelene, who also lived nearby and didn’t want her surname revealed, described the scenes as “horrendous”.
“It was just a state of absolute chaos,” she said.
“Thick black smoke, noise, panic and water bombers constantly circling above our house — our home was trembling from 10am until 3pm.
“The smoke was so thick you couldn’t go outside — we just didn’t know what to do but panic.”
The fire, which is now under control, forced Bundoora, Mill Park, Greensborough and Plenty residents to evacuate their homes.
It is being investigated by Whittlesea CIU detectives.
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Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau warned there was still a “difficult and long” fire season ahead, but thanked emergency services for their brave efforts so far.
“The way everyone collaborated to make this community safe is incredible to hear and I am delighted to be here today and say a big thank you for all of your efforts.”