1943–44 Australian bushfire season

A series of major bushfires following severe drought conditions in the state of Victoria in Australia, occurred during the summer of 1943–44.

[1] Between 22 December 1943 and 15 February 1944, burnt an estimated one million ha,[2] 51 people were killed, 700 injured, and 650 buildings were destroyed across the state.

[3] Many personnel who would have been normally available for fire fighting duties had been posted overseas and to remote areas of Australia during World War II.

[1] To the west of Melbourne, a series of bushfires broke out between South Australian border and the outskirts of Geelong including areas near the towns of Hamilton, Skipton, Dunkeld, Birregurra and Goroke.

In Derrinallum, the only buildings left standing were the Mechanics' Institute, two churches and several business premises.