> Hello everyone - let's all hope for a safer season this summer. But it is that black day I want to ask about. Can you lead me to a local, Omeo focussed account of those fires? > Hello Nandina, My husband, Peter, who works for the CFA (training) in Dandenong and is also a volunteer member of Hastings Brigade has 'State of Fire - a history of volunteer Firefighting and the CFA in Victoria' by Robert Murray and Kate White, Hargreen Publishing Co, Nth.Melbourne, 1995. With regard to Omeo, it has several references and a photo of the main street after the fire. It gives a good report of the Royal Commission, and especially the difficulty the country people faced by the Forest Commission's refusal to carry out, or give permission for, controlled burns. As regards local accounts, I would suggest you contact the Omeo CFA who like most brigades would keep reports. A local newspaper would be a good source also. Try the newspaper room at the State Library in Melbourne. Best wishes, Sandra. -- Peter & Sandra Beckett PO Box 381 Hastings 3915 Victoria, Australia Home : 03 59791237 Mob : 0419 508585 Email: pbeckett@pen.starway.net.au psbeckett@hotmail.com pwbeckett@netscape.net