Business bushfire donations surge as new fires threaten

Victoria’s bushfire emergency is far from over, with fresh blazes in the Yarra Valley region of Victoria (about an hour out of Melbourne) threatening homes in towns including Healesville.

One member of the SmartCompany community who lives in Healesville fled to a nearby town after flames engulfed his street this morning. He is not sure if his house is still standing.

Meanwhile, the recovery effort continues to gather pace in other areas of Victoria ravaged by the fires. The Australian Red Cross has reported the public has donated more than $7 million to its fire appear and almost $14 million has been donated by businesses.

Tabcorp pledged $2 million yesterday, Australia Post and Woolworths donated $1 million, while Coles (which is owned by Wesfarmers) will donate all Friday’s profits from its supermarkets to the cause.

Foster’s – which has two wineries destroyed in the blazes – has donated $250,000, while Target, Kmart, Telstra, Suncorp, Santos and David Jones have also made generous contributions.

In other bushfire developments:

Victorian Premier John Brumby has ordered a Royal Commission into the disaster and has promised to review the controversial “fight or flee” policy.

• Police are said to be closing in on the arsonist suspected of setting some of the fires.
• The death toll has risen to 173 and is expected to climb further as police and emergency services reach previously closed areas.
• Victorian Police Commissioner Christine Nixon has stepped down from her post earlier than intended to lead the disaster recovery effort.

Meanwhile, emergency services organisations have warned Victorians to remain vigilant, saying authorities are unlikely to have put out all the fires before the next spell of hot weather.

Individuals, businesses and organisations wishing to make a donation to the State Government’s Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund can go to www.redcross.org.au or call the toll free number 1800 811 700