Between 14-17 January 1962, fires in the Dandenong Ranges and on the outskirts of Melbourne caused eight fatalities and destroyed more than 450 houses. Most were caused by lightning strikes but two were lit by arsonists. Areas severely affected include The Basin, Christmas Hills, Kinglake, St Andrews, Hurstbridge, Warrandyte and Mitcham.

The bushfires came within 18 kilometres of the city of Melbourne and were considered the worst fires since 1939.      

One additional death and approximately 150 additional homes were lost elsewhere in Victoria during January-February.