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Rex Newton, 70, escaped with only his dog Charlie as bushfire destroyed his Tonimbuk home. He’s lived here almost 40 years with ducks, chickens, birds & dogs. Many perished. His optimism & humour despite such loss was admirable. It was a pleasure to shake his hand. What a legend.
A rural township just outside Melbourne has reportedly been lost to flames.
Tonimbuk, a small town in the Bunyip State Park, has been all but razed to the ground by a fire that tore through the State Park on Monday.
The township was home to the Jinks Creek Winery, which has been completely destroyed.
"We've lost our livelihood," owner Andrew Clark told The Age. "I planted that winery myself, and put the first vines in back in 1979."
He told The Australian he's lost everything.
"We're homeless. It's gone, the house too, it's all gone. We've got horses, they're probably dead."
A post to the winery's Facebook page shows the flames tearing through forested areas, as the company announces its closure due to the blaze.
The post has received an outpouring of support from the community, with many people giving the winery well wishes, offers of housing, and help with animals.
"So sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful winery. This fire is just devastating," writes one.
"If you guys need anything, my place is available. My door is always open, a place to stay or come for a meal. Kid friendly, pet friendly, garage space, back yard, plenty of living area and bed space. Hope you are all doing ok," says another.
Started by a lightning strike, the fire continues to rip through Bunyip and neighbouring Yinnar.
The flames have destroyed more than 11,000 hectares of land, including five structures at Bunyip and two in Yinnar. It's anticipated the number of properties confirmed to have been destroyed will rise when ground crews are able to safely assess the damage.
Conditions are set to remain hot and windy as 850 firefighters attempt to control the blaze across Victoria.
