The Kilmore district in Victoria suffered devastating bushfires in April 1888 and again in December 1888, events that are etched in local memory for their ferocity and widespread destruction. A prolonged period of drought dried out the landscape, creating abundant fuel for fires. High winds further exacerbated the blazes, driving them across the countryside with alarming speed.

In an era of climate change concerns, today these fires are reported as such: “Farms, homes, and livelihoods were consumed, leaving many families destitute and displaced. The 1888 bushfires highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather events and spurred efforts to improve bushfire prevention and response strategies in the region.”

However, news reports of the day relay an alternate version of the story including placing blame on the carelessness of humans and without mention of drought conditions.