ROLLING UPDATES: Fire threatens homes near Lancefield | Video, photos
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Non profit sanctuary for rescued farmed animals Edgar’s Mission came within metres of an out-of-control burn-off near Lancefield on Tuesday.
Through the work of staff and the CFA, the fire was stopped less than 200 metres from the sanctuary’s front gate.
The fire, which is still burning, has covered 4000 hectares and was first started as a planned burn on September 30.
Edgar’s Mission founder and director Pam Ahern shared her thoughts the day after the fire threat...
This afternoon I took a slow, silent walk down Bridies Lane.
I closed my eyes and recalled her once beautiful gums trees who lined the road.
Their magical arch embraced all those who traversed her paved passage to Edgar’s Mission.
I kept my eyes closed that little bit longer, not wanting to open them least I see the haunting black remains of yesterday’s needless bushfire that had stripped her of her tranquillity and her tiny wild orchids.
I pray the possums and sugar gliders who were seen jumping from tree to tree managed to out pace the firey fury.
In that sombre moment, the peril that had robbed my Tuesday hit me and I gave thanks to my amazing team who swung so bravely and effectively into gear.
Keeping our sanctuary and all her residents safe, many oblivious to the smoke, embers and cacophony of helicopter rotor blades that danced around them.
This was the first time the reality of what erupted just after lunch really hit me.
Such was our fire plan there was little time to consider the danger we faced, only to act to prevent it.
Sharpened as it was from our previous encounter with the fury of bushfire.
Recalling the dire situation we had faced in February 2014 as the Mickleham fires kept us prisoner for three days – if her fire was slow moving, menacing and cruel, yesterday’s was swift, unforgiving and on a mission.
I then cast a glance to our northern boundary and realised just how close we had come to meeting our worst nightmare.
But we didn’t, and for that I will be forever thankful.
I truly hope as the fire marches on, others will be so lucky.
And touched beyond belief I am for the outpouring of concern and well wishes that have flowed in.
Coming from so many, from so far afield and from quarters I had never imagined cared.
That Edgar’s Mission holds such a place in the hearts of so many will forever comfort my soul as will the thought that someone is watching over us all.
For more on Edgar’s Mission, visit www.edgarsmission.org.au