Mirranatwa Captain Jarrod Dark
After a long and challenging fire season in the Grampians region, Mirranatwa Fire Brigade Captain Jarrod Dark has praised firefighters and the community for their unwavering support.
Between 17 December and 8 February, Grampians communities spent 53 days on edge as two major bushfires burned over a combined 120,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land.
While many residents may have felt overwhelmed by the situation, one thing they weren't was alone.
At the peak of firefighting operations, more than 500 personnel from across Victoria and Australia, supported by dozens of aircraft and heavy machinery, were working round the clock to contain the blazes.
Reflecting on the experience, Jarrod described the reality of battling the major fires.
"When you're out at the back of your property and you can see the flames, it's confronting," he said.
"You hear the fire, and it sounds like a jet engine because of the pure power of it.
"You can really only do little bits around the edges. You can't go in and control it completely, that's just a simple reality."
Despite the immense challenge, Jarrod said the strong support from fellow firefighters and the community helped him stay positive.
"One thing was very clear, we couldn't have had the relatively successful outcome we did without help," he said.
"There was a staggering amount of Forest Fire Management Victoria, CFA and interstate crews out there doing their utmost best to contain and control the fire, I can't speak highly enough of everyone involved.
"We had crews from four or five hours' drive away, working incredibly hard in very adverse conditions to ensure we were all looked after."
Beyond the frontline, Jarrod also acknowledged the exceptional teamwork shown within his own community.
"We're very lucky. Where I live, we have a very tight-knit community. Everyone was pitching in and doing their bit.
"We had 140 to 150 emergency services personnel and residents at our little hall and fire sheds, everyone was willing to help. That by itself was amazing."
"Need for Feed and BlazeAid in particular have been great, donating feed for livestock, helping get fences up, or taking care of stock, it's humbling.
"So many people called to offer help that sometimes I had to regretfully turn them away."
Jarrod has faced many significant fires over his time as a CFA member, but he says this fire season stands out as the most difficult.
"This one affected me the most because, as Captain, I felt a lot more weight on my shoulders.
"Previously, I'd only been looking at my own farm, but this time, I was making sure all my neighbours and other people were okay."
He emphasised the importance of communication and checking in on others, particularly for newer residents.
"Information is incredibly important. We've got a couple of new families in the area, and this was their first big fire.
"It's about making sure they know what's happening and that they've got someone to talk to."
Above all, Jarrod expressed his gratitude to everyone who stepped up.
"I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone, not just in our area but all around. The support has been phenomenal.
"We're grateful beyond words for every CFA member, emergency responder, and community member who played a role."
