In a heartbreaking twist of fate, volunteer firefighter Michael Harper’s home in Alexandra was destroyed by fire just as he dedicated over 24 hours to battling Victoria’s devastating bushfires. But here’s where it gets controversial... despite risking his own property, Harper continued to serve on the front lines, showing extraordinary resilience and selflessness.
Last Thursday, Harper, a driver in a CFA strike team composed of personnel from regional areas, was deployed to fend off wildfires across central Victoria. For days, he fought tirelessly against the flames threatening towns and farms. On the day his own home caught fire, he was actively engaged in controlling blazes along the Maroondah Highway, determinedly protecting communities.
While en route to his hometown on the orders of authorities, Harper, along with a small team that included a 20-year-old volunteer and Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Damien Gallagher, checked on a neighbouring property belonging to Cr Gallagher, which they initially believed was still safe. However, after confirming the mayor’s house remained unburned — a relief for all — Harper’s team received alarming radio updates. They learned that firefighting trucks had been pulled out of Harper’s property due to hazardous gas bottles, and all assets at his home had been lost.
Harper, arriving at his street, was overwhelmed. Witnesses say his initial reaction was one of utter shock — speechless and devastated. Yet, despite the grief, he immediately began helping the arriving crew by handing out water, exemplifying leadership and camaraderie in crisis. As Cr Gallagher vividly described, Harper’s response was surprisingly calm: “That's okay, I can’t change what's happened.”
He reflected, “It’s about how you handle it; it’s a choice. You can sink into despair or focus on the tasks at hand.” After informing him that his firefighting shift was over, Gallagher took Harper back to the fire station. Before the day ended, Harper and his team, after fighting fires in Ruffy and Terip Terip, moved between Yarck and Merton to confront a fierce blaze crossing the Maroondah Highway — a fire described as “as intense as fire gets.”
Harper characterized their efforts humorously yet critically, saying they were effectively “patching a brain injury with a band-aid,” referring to the fire on Maroondah. Despite exhaustion and dwindling crew numbers, Harper’s determination persevered. Cr Gallagher noted Harper’s incredible drive — “He came back out and said, ‘Mate, let’s go again,’” after a demanding night of firefighting.
Their next mission was to defend a farm in Acheron under threat, and without hesitation, Harper’s team responded immediately — a testament to his committed character.
Harper recounted rushing out early Thursday, with no chance to pack, only responding swiftly when called upon. “I just threw on my fire gear and left,” he explained. His wife, Cathie, also a CFA volunteer, was aware of their property’s high risk but accepted the reality. “We talk about being in a fire-prone area; we knew we might not be able to defend our own house because we'd be on the trucks,” she shared.
Harper emphasized that sometimes, you must accept the unknown and focus on your duty: “It is what it is. We understand our role; this is just another step in our journey as firefighters.” Despite the personal loss, Harper found that being part of the firefighting team — working alongside confident, capable colleagues — was “pretty exhilarating.” The adrenaline, he added, fuels a sense of pride and purpose.
Cr Gallagher praised Harper’s extraordinary skill in navigating dangerous conditions — even when visibility was zero and fires raged intensely. “He kept us out of ditches and away from fences, directing us through the flames, which was remarkable considering the terrain,” Gallagher said.
Throughout their mission along the Yarck and Merton corridors, Harper’s team was instrumental in saving homes and lives, with Gallagher highlighting Harper’s pivotal role. It’s important to note that Harper isn’t alone: many volunteers in Alexandra have suffered similar losses, yet their commitment remains unwavering. Gallagher expressed deep admiration for all volunteers, emphasizing their bravery in the face of uncertain personal futures.
This story underscores the extraordinary sacrifices made by volunteers like Michael Harper, who, despite losing their own homes, continue risking everything to protect others. Such heroism raises important questions—should we expect more recognition and support for these selfless individuals? Or does their unwavering dedication deserve to be the norm in our firefighting efforts? Share your thoughts below: Do you agree that volunteers are the unsung heroes of such disasters, or do you think more structural support is urgently needed?
