Widespread bushfires occurred in Victoria in early February 1851. The height of the destruction happened on Black Thursday, 6 February 1851.
'Fires covered a quarter of what is now Victoria (approximately 5 million hectares). Areas affected include Portland, Plenty Ranges, Westernport, the Wimmera and Dandenong districts. Approximately 12 lives, one million sheep and thousands of cattle were lost' (Forest Fire Management Victoria). In early 1898 fires burnt out 260,000 hectares in South Gippsland. Twelve people died and more than 2,000 buildings were destroyed (source). 1 February 1898 was labelled Red Tuesday.
From December 1938 to January 1939, fires burnt out around two million hectares. 71 people died and more than 650 buildings were destroyed. The most severe fires came during a firestorm on Friday January 13, known as Black Friday.
The fires of 1944 were severe, with 32 people killed, and 700 homes destroyed. The devastation caused by these fires led to the creation of legislation which established the Country Fire Authority (CFA). The CFA commenced operation on 2 April 1945.
In Victoria, 47 people died and over 2000 homes and shops were destroyed in these fires. Lives were also lost in fierce fires in South Australia. The height of the destruction occurred on Ash Wednesday, 16 February 1983. https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/bushfires/1983
