A family who bunkered down in a shipping container after their home burnt in the Longwood fire zone during the fires last week were flown to safety by the Police Air Wing.

Two women, aged 59 and 82, and a 92-year-old man called emergency services on Friday, January 9, seeking assistance to evacuate their isolated property on Caveat-Dropmore Rd at Caveat, east of Seymour.

After trying to manage the conditions for two days, including the complete loss of their home by fire; the 59-year-old woman called for help with concerns for the health of her mother and uncle.

Police have been told the family bunkered down and sought safety in a shipping container on their property as the fire swept through the area on Wednesday, January 7.

The trio also slept in their vehicle Friday night.

With no clear road access to the property the Air Wing was called in just before 7am on Saturday and tactical flight officers landed onsite about 8.30am.

The trio, along with their cat, Grisha, also affectionately known as ‘Bubba’, were loaded into the chopper and transported back to Seymour.

They were assessed by ambulance paramedics, and Bubba provided some much-needed water by syringe.

Police said it was believed the 82-year-old woman’s hair was scorched by the fire and she was treated for burns to her hands.

Police Air Wing tactical flight officer Leading Senior Constable Brittany Smith said the destruction officers can see from the air was heartbreaking.

“By no means do we encourage people to shelter in shipping containers however on this occasion all I can say is this family is extremely lucky,” she said.

“It was good we were able to get in and get them out.

“We were glad we could provide assistance when they needed us.”

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Monday, 3rd August 2026

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