Help after a bushfire

After a bushfire, the damage can be devastating. Recovery can feel hard, and it’s tough to know where to start.

At Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), we work with local councils and other government agencies to coordinate relief and recovery for people and communities.

This means we can connect you with services that can help you if you’ve been impacted by a bushfire.

We also deliver recovery programs for people impacted by a major bushfire.

Immediate help after a bushfire

Relief may be available if you have been affected by a bushfire.

Relief is help you may be eligible for during and directly after an emergency.

It helps you meet your immediate needs, like food and a place to stay. Information about relief is available on the VicEmergency website.

If you have been told you can’t return to your home, you need to find somewhere else that is safe to stay. Contact family and friends and ask for help.
If you don’t have somewhere to go to, call your local council. They can discuss what options may be available to you.
An Emergency Relief Centre may also be open near you. Locations are published on the VicEmergency website(opens in a new window).

Recovery programs

Recovery support aims to bring back quality of life and community services to how they were before a bushfire.

If your property was affected by the February 2024 Western Victorian bushfires or 2019-20 Eastern Victorian bushfires, you may be eligible for recovery support.

If you’ve been affected by a different emergency, there are general services that can provide you with help or advice.

Recovery services, wellbeing and support

Find out more about the support, advice and counselling available as you and your family recover from storms, bushfires or floods.

Resources

Translated information about Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV)

Find out how to get help after a bushfire, flood or storm, in languages other then English.

Returning home after a bushfire

After a bushfire has passed, conditions may still be dangerous. If you have evacuated, do not return home until emergency services say it is safe to do so. When returning home, watch for hazards such as fire-affected trees or damaged roads and footpaths.

There may be damaged asbestos on a property following a fire. The safest way to have asbestos removed is to hire a licensed removalist(opens in a new window).

You may also experience a range of physical, mental and emotional reactions when returning home. If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Information and factsheets

Australian Red Cross – Returning home after a bushfire

Practical questions to consider if you are returning home after a bushfire.

Better Health – Bushfire aftermath - safety tips

Advice about how to protect your safety when returning home, including inspecting your property and cleaning up your home.

Victorian Building Authority – Bushfire resources and guides

Guidelines that cover hazards that can be found on properties after a bushfire and who to contact. Additional resources can be found on the VBA website including a guide to a safe return to your property after a bushfire.

Agriculture Victoria – What to do after a bushfire

Advice for farmers who have experienced agricultural impacts from a bushfire, such as losses of stock and farming assets.

Insurance Council of Australia – What to do after a bushfire

Advice on when to contact your insurance company and how to document damage.

Stories of recovery

The aftermath of a bushfire is mentally, physically and emotionally challenging.

Read about how we have worked with individuals, local councils and community groups to support recovery and resilience after a bushfire.

Warning: The content on these pages discusses floods, storms, and bushfires. This may be distressing for some individuals.

Recovery progress

Find out about recovery progress and actions after previous bushfires.

Safety & emergencies

Updated 24 October 2024