TODAY marks the fifth anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires, which struck areas across the Yarra Ranges and Murrindini Shires on 7 February, 2009.
The fires destroyed over 450,000 hectares of land, razed 2100 properties, displaced over 7000 people and resulted in the deaths of 173 people.
The towns of Marysville, Narbethong, Steels Creek, Kinglake and Dixons Creek were some of the most badly hit by the fires, with historic buildings and main strips of towns left gutted by the flames.
In the five years that have passed, towns have been rebuilt; paddocks have turned back from black to green, though the memories of what was lost stand poignant as ever.
A number of memorials have been constructed around the areas hit by the fires, with Marysville, Kinglake, Steels Creek, Yarra Glen, Healesville and Chum Creek being host to some of these.
The Mail went out to take some photographs, to compare and contrast those taken shortly after the fires.
A memorial event will be held this evening at the Yarra Glen bushfire memorial, in McKenzie Reserve, beginning at 6pm and running through until around 8pm.
Heartland Church Pastor Mike Baimbridge will speak at the event, along with Yarra Ranges mayor Fiona McAllister.
All are welcome to attend.
For more photos, click on the Photo Gallery.
