It’s been 40 years since the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires swept across Victoria on February 16, 1983.
Fourty seven Victorian lives were lost during the Ash Wednesday fires, including 14 CFA volunteers.
The fires impacted more than 200,000 hectares, destroyed more than 2080 homes and more than 32,750 livestock perished.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the incredible acts of bravery demonstrated by CFA and emergency service volunteers prevented even greater loss of life and property that day.
“We also recognise the resilience of Victorian communities which have since recovered and rebuilt after suffering enormous destruction,” Mr Heffernan said.
“We will never forget those who died in the line of duty and those who served their communities diligently during the Ash Wednesday fires.
“We will continue to carry the memories and heroism of those who were involved and we will always strive to be better prepared.”
In the four decades that followed Ash Wednesday, the CFA has undergone significant changes in the way it operates.
Improvements have been made to protective clothing, vehicle design, communications and public information warnings, command and control response arrangements, fire behaviour and modelling research and wellbeing support.
Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world.
The anniversary of Ash Wednesday is a day to recognise incredible strength and commitment of the CFA members and emergency service workers who played a role in battling more than 180 fires that day, including the eight major fires.