As the sun sets and darkness envelops the town, shoppers navigate the aisles of Yea FoodWorks using flashlights to gather groceries, a necessity made urgent by the bushfire that has plunged their community into blackout.
On the morning of January 11, 2026, a worker stationed at the supermarket's entrance informed those queuing outside, "Next person. Cash only. You’ll need to be guided." This announcement underscored the precarious situation as locals eagerly awaited their turn to replenish their households.
Inside the dimly lit store, employees assisted customers through the shadowy aisles, relying on torches and clipboards to facilitate the shopping experience. Patrons were on the hunt for essential items like coffee, milk, tomatoes, bread, and Milo—staples that many families rely on during normal times and especially during crises.
Fiona Purvis, a resident from Homewood, was seen searching for cartons of milk and a sizeable water tub. "We’re keeping our eskies full with just the essentials — milk and bread, butter," she explained, highlighting the urgency of maintaining basic supplies. Fiona and her family had opted to remain on their expansive 800-acre property, situated just a short drive from Yea along the banks of the Goulburn River, determined to safeguard their home amidst the chaos. "We knew that we could protect the farm," she stated confidently, mentioning their herd of about 200 cattle.
Adam Kupke, one of the workers at the supermarket, reported that although a generator was available to power the store, it had unfortunately malfunctioned overnight. "We’re just trying to do what we can for the people that need help, basically. It might get to a point where we’re gonna have to close, but we’re just doing this for the moment," he remarked. His words reflected the dire circumstances gripping the community, as he struggled to convey the overwhelming devastation faced since the onset of the fires. "I know so many people. I grew up in the area. It’s devastating, mate," he lamented, revealing the emotional toll the disaster has taken.
While hundreds of structures and homes have been lost to the flames, miraculously, there have been no reported fatalities. However, numerous harrowing tales of near escapes have emerged. One particularly dramatic incident unfolded just north of Yea, where police executed a remarkable air rescue to evacuate a multi-generational family trapped at a remote location on Caveat-Dropmore Road. This included a 92-year-old man and the family’s beloved cat.
According to a statement from Victoria Police, the Air Wing was deployed on Saturday morning to rescue the family, who had tragically lost their home while attempting to defend it. They sought refuge in a shipping container on their property as the fire raged around them. On Friday afternoon, two women—aged 59 and 82—alongside the elderly man, reached out to emergency services for assistance after spending two harrowing days trying to manage the aftermath of the blaze. The family had endured a complete loss of their home and took shelter in their vehicle the previous night, exemplifying the desperate circumstances they faced.
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