Having experienced the 1997 Dandenong Ranges fires in Victoria, – a proud Ferntree Gully resident who has lived through bushfire tragedies on both sides of the world never imagined she’d face a similar devastation in the United States, where she lived for several years. Yet, in 2020, the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, shattered her life, leaving her with a sense of loss and a deep understanding of the importance of fire preparedness.
In January 1997, when Sally Dusting-Laird had just brought her second daughter home from the hospital, she was so caught up in the busyness of new motherhood that she didn’t even realise the hills behind her home in Ferntree Gully were on fire until worried family members began calling.
“I held my newborn baby in my arms, and when I stepped into our backyard, just 300 metres from the Dandenong Ranges National Park, I saw nothing but a pitch-black sky,” she recalls.
“It was terrifying – but by the time I realised what was happening, the fire had already passed through.”
For days, the fires burned, and people sat on their roofs watching as their homes and livelihoods were threatened.
Fast forward to her time in Altadena, a suburb just north of Pasadena, California. after living there for six years, Sally experienced the horror of the Eaton Fire first-hand.
Nearly 7000 homes were destroyed, and at least 16 people lost their lives.
“I never could have prepared for the incredible feeling of loss,” she said.
“The homes that had been in my husband’s family for generations, where we were married and brought our first child home, were gone, reduced to grey ash – the park across the street, where we hiked every day, is now just a memory.”
Sally’s experience in Altadena was nothing short of traumatising.
“We evacuated several times during previous fires, but we thought our homes were safe – they were several blocks from the wildland and sheltered by an irrigated park,” she said.
“But the fire tore through the neighbourhood with such intensity that nothing could stop it – I never expected to see the destruction on such a scale.”
The loss was not only personal for Sally but for the entire community.
“Our close friend Dave, who was always smiling, was interviewed on Channel 7 news after losing everything,” Sally said.
“He was holding his puppy, the only thing he managed to save. Seeing him so lost and crying was heart-wrenching.”
She also checked in with her Irish friend Fionnuala, who lived a few blocks away in Altadena.
“She told me, ‘We are living a nightmare and I’m trying to hold it together – we are displaced and have no idea when we will return,’” Sally said.
Having now lived through two major fire seasons, Sally is calling for communities, both in Australia and abroad, to learn from these devastating events.
“It’s overwhelming to think about, but we must prepare better, if I compare Altadena to where we live now in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, it’s like fires leaping from the hills and destroying the entire Knox, Monash, and Maroondah areas – we need to understand the risks and plan accordingly,” Sally said.
Sally’s nephew, Thom Porter, a retired fire expert and former chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, shared his own concerns about the fires.
“The Eaton Fire is a wake-up call for climate-informed action,” Thom told Sally.
“We’ve seen these types of disasters before, but they are happening more frequently and with greater intensity. There is a serious need for better planning and retrofitting of communities to withstand fires. Parks and playgrounds may look safe, but they can’t stop a fire when it’s fuelled by extreme winds.”
Sally said that community support during disasters is just as important as preparation.
“I’ve seen how close-knit communities like Ferntree Gully and Altadena come together during times of crisis,” she said.
“After the fires, everyone needs that support to heal and rebuild. The trauma doesn’t go away quickly. And survivor guilt can be overwhelming, especially when you’re left wondering why your house survived when others were destroyed.”
In the midst of fire season in Victoria, Sally is urging residents to take action now.
“The CFA has already warned that fire activity will increase this season,” she said.
“We all need to clear gutters, trim trees, and create fire breaks. It’s also important to have an emergency plan for pets. The CFA and RSPCA Victoria are reminding everyone to include their animals in their survival plans. Having food, water, and bedding ready for your pets could save precious time in an emergency.”
She said that individuals need to take a proactive approach.
“It’s not just about protecting your family and home, but about preparing for the unexpected. Have a fire kit ready, and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an evacuation. The sooner you leave, the better. Delaying evacuation puts you and your animals at serious risk,” Sally said.
As the fire seasons become longer and more intense, Sally’s message is clear: communities must be prepared, and individuals must take responsibility for their own safety.
“We’ve had to embrace the trauma, shed many tears, and keep moving forward,” she said.
“If you live in fire-prone areas, you need to expect that fires will happen. But with proper preparation and a strong community, we can reduce the risks and rebuild stronger together.”
For more information on fire preparedness and how to protect pets and livestock, visit the CFA website or speak to your local fire authority.
