Eddie Lowen was in a support van with another CFA volunteer Ranald Webster behind the fire’s front line at Cockatoo on the night of Ash Wednesday 1983. The van had a load of fuel, they were waiting for tankers needing to be refuelled, when the wind changed. Aware that they were in immediate danger they tried to escape by running through the fire, but the van overturned. Ranald Webster escaped with horrific burns, but Eddie was not so lucky.
A memorial garden was dedicated to Eddie Lowen in February 2002 on the 19th anniversary of the Ash Wednesday fires. More than a hundred of Eddie’s family and friends attended the dedication.
Sources:
Trial by fire: https://www.theage.com.au/technology/trial-by-fire-20080210-ge6pm1.html
Looking back: Pakenham Gazette 21 Feb 2007
Eddie Lowen plaque
Transcription
In memory of / Eddie ‘Dasha’ Lowen
Aged 37 years / died 16/2/83 / Result of Ash Wednesday fires / Pakenham Shire Workmates
Surveyed on: 24 Jun 2011
Surveyed by: Fay and Anne
Nar Nar Goon VIC 3812, Australia
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