A family's legacy, a renowned winery, and a community's pride were all but erased within a devastating hour. This is the story of a battle against the relentless Longwood fire.
On January 9, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., the flames engulfed Fowles Wines, a family-owned vineyard north of Melbourne. By 10 a.m., the once-thriving estate had become a desolate scene of destruction. And this is where the story takes a dramatic turn.
Matt Fowles, the owner, managed to save his home with the help of a CFA ute and a friend. But the rest of his acclaimed vineyard didn't fare as well. In just 45 minutes, the fire ravaged 300 acres of vines, claimed the lives of countless sheep, and reduced homes to ashes, including his uncle's residence and those of his neighbors.
But here's where it gets personal: 'By 9:30 a.m., the fire intensified, and by 9:45 a.m., the entire property was engulfed,' Matt recounted. He described the harrowing experience of watching his yard ignite and the desperate effort to save his home. And in a heart-wrenching twist, he revealed that his uncle's house, just five kilometers away, was not as fortunate. His uncle's timely departure the day before was a small mercy.
The fire's reach was devastating. By Thursday morning, Matt was aware of at least four other homes that had been consumed by the flames, emphasizing the miracle of saving his own. And then, a glimmer of hope: the outpouring of support from the wine industry and beyond. Hundreds of messages and offers of fruit to help him rebuild.
But the challenges are far from over. Matt faces the daunting task of rebuilding his vineyard and crop, which has been declared a total loss for the year. And this is the part most people miss—the resilience and determination required to start anew.
His brother, Will Fowles, an independent MP, expressed gratitude to the CFA, friends, and neighbors for their support during this trying time. The communities of Avenel and Longwood are reeling, but their spirit remains strong.
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