Grampians: Agriculture Victoria confirms 140 sheep lost in Mt Stapylton fire

Updated assessments of the Mt Stapylton bushfire, near Dadswells Bridge, have confirmed significant stock losses. See the latest.

The Mt Stapylton bushfire in the Grampians last week was the hardest hit for stock losses, with 140 sheep dying in the blaze.

There were initial reports of 130 sheep lost with Agriculture Victoria confirming the higher number on Tuesday.

The dead sheep have been buried on site in the Dadswells Bridge area with approval from the Environment Protection Authority.

There were no reports of livestock losses in the nearby Pomonal fire where 45 homes were lost.

Farmer Meg Blake, who lives at Bellellen near Pomonal, described the fire as the most severe in the area since 2006.

She and her husband evacuated to Stawell before returning home the following day.

“We’ve come back to the farm and we’re okay,” she said.

“But a lot of people aren’t.

“The community is very strong in Pomonal and has an organised resilience group that meets regularly.”

The town’s store, post office and hall have survived the fire, but an old wooden church has been lost.

Extensive debris including many large, fallen trees remains a significant issue on many farms, including in Gippsland where Mirboo North dairy farmer Bruce Manintveld was killed in ferocious storms.

“Agriculture Victoria staff are connected to local and industry networks to further understand the impacts,” a spokeswoman said.

“Livestock producers who have been impacted and have urgent animal welfare needs, should contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.”