Clifton Creek Primary School destroyed in East Gippsland bushfire

Only a chook pen and an outdoor stage were spared as fire rolled through Clifton Creek on Tuesday, destroying at least four homes and the local primary school.

Before and after pictures of the school at Clifton Creek. Pictures: Supplied

A “family” town has been devastated after its primary school and at least four homes were burnt to the ground.

Clifton Creek Primary School was razed as fire rolled through, sparing only the chook pen and an outdoor stage.

Tearful principal Sue Paul said the school’s double classroom, multiple purpose room, administration area and art room had “all been destroyed”.

Clifton Creek Primary School. Picture: Supplied

The remains of the Clifton Creek School. Picture: Jamie L Curtis/Facebook

She said the homes of one staff member and a student’s family had also burnt down.

“It is absolutely devastating for the community,” Ms Paul said.

“I am more devastated for the family who has lost their home and the staff member who’s lost their home.

“The community will rally together and rebuild but for now we are focusing on people and their homes.”

Ms Paul was working until after midnight yesterday morning to confirm all students and staff were safe.

Artwork displayed at the school. Picture: Supplied

An out-of-control bushfire swept through the school. Picture: Jamie L Curtis/Facebook

She described the small town about 13km west of Bruthen, which at last count was home to 92 families and 237 residents, as “like a family”.

The school had 11 students this year, and “were looking forward to 2020”.

Jamie Curtis spent Monday night defending his cousin’s Clifton Creek home as others burnt down around him.

The ground was so hot it melted the rubber soles of his work boots.

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Mr Curtis, who grew up in the tight-knit community, was devastated to find at least four properties had been destroyed by fire as he left this morning.

“We saved the property but so much was lost around us,” he said.

“We took out a truck with a 3000L tank and pump and fought with that.

“It was hot. The scene around us was devastating. Was awful to see the community I grew up in absolutely destroyed.”

Mr Curtis said the homes lost to fire were located on Deptford Rd near Clifton Creek Primary School.