On Thursday, 8th of January 2026, Victoria was bracing its self for catastrophic fire conditions.

This wasn’t a new concept for the Lagarde family - they’d been CFA volunteers for the better part of 12 years. Theo, being a third lieutenant, and Kelly, being a fourth lieutenant.

That morning, Theo had been attending the Tarcombe fire, and in true Theo fashion, was heading back to the shed after the shift to throw on a BBQ for those who were volunteering and working tirelessly to protect their community.

Combining the conditions of the day, and coupled with the high speed winds that had everybody on edge, Theo got word that the wind direction had changed and immediately knew his farm would now be directly in the path of the fire. He jumped in his car and headed straight there to enact their evacuation plan - something that had been meticulously planned. Kelly, Theo’s daughter, who had spent the night before in her volunteer role on the fire front, was also on her way to help. Theo’s wife, Chris, threw their two dogs in the car and left while Theo and Kelly opened internal gates to give their stock the best chance of survival.

What came next was what can only be described as a nightmare. The intensity of the fire and the speed in which it approached gave Theo and Kelly absolutely no time to do anything further, aside from cut their back fence and escape through a back track, hoping only for the best. They fled with what they were wearing, without a chance to get into the house to collect their prepared evacuation kits, just “get in the car now!”

I happened to call Kelly in this exact moment to make sure she was safe, and that phone call frightened the daylights out of me. I truly cannot imagine what was going through their minds in that moment.

I have known the Lagardes since they first moved to Victoria. These are people who know & understand fire. They had been making preparations around their property for days leading up to the predicted heat wave. These are people who had made their property as fire safe as possible for years, who are sensible and practical. The ferocity of this fire simply cannot be understated.

Within about an hour I got a text - “the house is gone.” While their house was quite literally in flames, Theo was on the phone non-stop, calling other people in Ruffy to ensure they were safe.

Not knowing the outcome of their stock for almost 48 hours afterwards was agonising for them. Their care, kindness and compassion are second to none.

They were lucky. Most of their stock have survived - so far. Neighbours sheep weren’t so lucky. Kelly being a licensed, experienced shooter has been tasked to end the suffering of many animals for many people over the last 4 to 5 days. Her resilience is incredible.

Theo, Chris and Kelly are real salt-of-the-earth people. Their home was one that you always felt welcome in. If you ever needed something, Theo probably had it, and was always more happy to give you a lend. If they heard someone needed a hand with something, they’d roll up their sleeves and get the job done, and never expect anything in return.

They’ve all been volunteers in their community for various causes, but most significantly, their commitment to the local CFA is of most important to them. If they’re not fighting fires, they’re fundraising, or throwing on a BBQ for their fellow volunteers. I have no doubt that their efforts have saved many properties and homes over the years. The fact that they have now lost their own home to fire is absolutely tragic.

Immediately after losing their farm, their only two concerns were for their neighbours and their livestock. Their commitment to the community has not once wavered, even when faced with their own enormous loss.

I am certain the whole Ruffy community will come together and help each other through, this is what makes being part of a small town so wonderful.

Let’s help these guys get back on their feet, and get back to doing what they do best.

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