By Karen Phillips
Mount Evelyn, like the rest of the Dandenong Ranges, has always been prone to bushfires. The first fire we have a description of occurred in 1914.
‘For a fortnight past, a bush fire has been raging in the vicinity of the Stringy Bark Creek, but, on the 24th January, aided by a brisk wind and the excessive heat, it made a sweep in the direction of our settlement … . Mr Clegg’s house on the Clegg Road and the Board of Works’ cottage nearby had a narrow escape, but the flames were beaten back. The fire … rushed forward to Mr Clancy’s area, running down Brushy Creek, taking the back bush of Billygoat Hill, with a heavy wind behind.’ Lilydale Express 6/2/1914.
Residents turned out to fight fires, often using wet sacking or branches to beat out the flames. Following a fire in 1919, property owners raised a sufficient sum to pay the firefighters ‘one guinea to each man, a guinea also to Mrs Clifford, as her great work could not go unrewarded, the lads receiving 10/- each.’ Lilydale Express 16/5/1919
The Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade formed in response to the devastating bushfires of 1939. Equipment was basic: a single knapsack pump from 1939 had grown by 1943 to a collection of red buckets, canvas bags on poles, shovels and rakes. The first CFA station opened in the main street in 1952.
Many people will remember how the Ranges were encircled by fires in 1962. St Mark’s Youth Camp (Brother Bill’s) burnt down, and a fire that started in Hereford Road destroyed 49 homes. Dr Bill Hardy, who was Preventive Medical Officer with the Brigade, worked with the emergency services. His extensive local knowledge was valuable in directing resources.
Houses have also been lost to building fires, partly due to the lack of a reliable water supply. The house Evelyn Park at the top of Bailey Road, which was narrowly saved from the 1914 bushfire, was destroyed in a house fire two years later. The Mechanics Institute (on the site of the Public Hall), the Church of Christ in Hereford Road, Millard’s Timber, White’s Grocery and several guest houses fell victim to building fires.
The disused Do Drop In building on the Swansea/York Road corner burned down one night in 1980. Rather picturesquely, the fire was blamed on the moon’s reflection off a piece of glass.
