Long-time Gellibrand Fire Brigade member John Cochrane knows the risks of bushfires better than most, but when fire conditions escalated rapidly near his home, he knew leaving early was the safest option.
The Carlisle River and Kennedy Creek fires began on 9 January in the Great Otway National Park and threatened and devastated nearby communities, including Gellibrand.
After evacuating for several days during that time, John and his wife Jean returned to their home in Gellibrand, believing fire conditions across the area had eased.
However, the situation quickly changed as nearby fires intensified and started spreading towards the Cochranes home, and their sons next door.
"The conditions changed so quickly. We looked up and could see smoke coming over the hill from Mount Murray, right near us," John said.
"Then my wife got the phone alert telling us to immediately get out.
"We knew we just had to get out of there, so that's what we did."
Despite years of experience and thorough property preparation, including clearing leaves and maintaining gutters, John said the intensity of the fire front made defending his property unsafe.
"The wind changed right into us and went through the valley," John said.
"It was so hot, you just wouldn't have been able to survive it.
"It was clear it wasn't something we could safely stay and defend against."
John said while it is incredibly devasting and emotional to have lost their property and personal belongings to the fires, leaving early was the right decision.
"The loss of bricks and mortar, you'll get over it," John said.
"You can rebuild a house and replace things, but you can't compensate for a life.
"Nothing is worth staying behind for."
John's key message to people also living in bushfire prone areas is to have a bushfire plan in place and to leave early if you can, especially when conditions can be unpredictable.
"We had a plan in place, which was to get out and that's what we did," John said.
"Even when you think you're ready, things can escalate very quickly.
"Even with experience and preparation, fire conditions can change faster than you expect.
"It's not worth your life to try and defend."
As John and his wife focus on recovery and rebuilding, determined to move forward, he said he is incredibly grateful for the strong support they have received from their local brigade and the wider community.
For tips on how to plan and prepare before and during a fire, head to www.cfa.vic.gov.au/leave.
