Summary

Found in the wreckage of Bill Coppinger's kitchen area, it is believed to be a glass screw-top jar, but the heat of the fire melted the glass and it is almost beyond recognition.

The house at Mount Disappointment and all its contents were destroyed in the Kilmore East Bushfire on 7 February 2009.

This is part of the Victorian Bushfires Collection, which includes a number of interviews with Bill Coppinger and a large range of fire affected artefacts from his destroyed home.

Physical Description

Object has melted and shape has collapsed; it is most likely a jar as evidence remains of screw top. Found on a slope beneath the house's kitchen, it contains fragments of melted glass, unidentified ceramic, three burnt metal pins and ashes.

Significance

This is a story of good fire preparation but ultimate defeat before an overwhelming firestorm. On 7 February 2009, the donor watched closely as the Kilmore East Fire jumped the Hume Highway and moved across to the base of his property on Mount Disappointment. He was aware of the fire's movements, had vast amounts of water and was properly prepared to 'stay and defend', but his house, sheds and all their contents were destroyed. He lost his dog and very nearly lost his life.

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