In early February 2014, Victoria faced its worst fire conditions since Black Saturday in 2009. Over the weekend of 8 and 9 February, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) was at its highest state of readiness with interstate and New Zealand colleagues on standby.

While existing fires continued to burn in East Gippsland, new fires broke out on 9 February in the Latrobe Valley and north of Melbourne at Mickleham, Gisborne, Riddells Creek and Warrandyte. Six thousand firefighters were mobilised across the state and thousands of people evacuated.

High winds and very dry conditions resulted in three homes destroyed in Warrandyte, one in Gisborne and one in Morwell before the fires were brought under control. However, a fire in the Hazelwood Mine at Morwell continued to burn.

The Victorian Government announced people affected by the fires would have immediate access to grants of up to $30,000 if their homes were destroyed or significantly damaged due to the fire. The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments National Disaster Recovery Payments were also made available to those affected by the fires.

Mickleham Road Complex

The Mickleham Road Complex was a fast moving grassfire that remained out of control for a number of days. It split into two firefronts threatening both Kilmore and Wallan. The fire also impacted the communities of Beveridge, Darraweit Guim, Springwood, Chintin, Forbes and Bylands, Wallan, Willowmavin and Craigieburn. Once the Mickleham fire was contained, the threat of smouldering trees falling continued amongst the fire-affected areas. A total of 13 homes were destroyed as well as other farm infrastructure and approximately 10,000 sheep and 600 cattle also perished.

East Gippsland fires

While the East Gippsland fires continued to burn in remote bushland, by 14 February the fire no longer posed a threat to private property. More than 130,000 hectares were burnt and 15 homes destroyed. Approximately 100 farm properties were also affected with stock and fencing losses.