
The Wye River bushfire, also known as the Jamieson Track fire, struck Victoria's Great Ocean Road region during the 2015-16 fire season.
It began on 19 December when lightning sparked two bushfires in the Otway Ranges.
Over the following weeks, the fire burned approximately 2,500 hectares of land.
The fire's rapid spread was fuelled by dry conditions and strong winds, making it one of the most intense bushfires in the area in decades.
On Christmas Day, the fire escalated dramatically, fuelled by dry conditions and strong winds. This led to the fire jumping containment lines and impacting on the townships of Wye River and Separation Creek early on the morning of 25 December.
Cooler conditions and overnight rainfall slowed the fire on the morning of 26 December, however the steep and heavily vegetated terrain continued to burn for several weeks.
The fire was eventually contained on 21 January 2016 after 34 days of relentless efforts by firefighters and emergency crews.
It destroyed 116 homes - 98 in Wye River and 18 in Separation Creek.
Despite the extensive damage, no lives were lost, thanks to timely evacuations and the efforts of emergency services.
However, the financial and emotional impact on the communities was substantial. The aftermath saw significant rebuilding efforts, with government grants and community support helping affected residents recover.
This December will mark 10 years since fires in Wye River. The fire remains a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of resilience in the face of disaster.
Learn more about our 80th Anniversary