Fire victims go underground

By Callan Date
TWENTYthree years have passed since the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires destroyed the Upper Beaconsfield home of Laura and Bert Levens.
Scarred by the experience, the couple has literally gone underground to prevent a repeat episode.
The Levens’ lost nearly everything they owned in the 1983 fires but were determined to stay in Upper Beaconsfield and wanted to rebuild an environmentally conscious house that could withstand a fire.
“Earth sheltered housing was relatively new in Australia so we did three years of research and were presented with all sorts of ideas from various landscape architects,” said Mrs Levens.
When you first enter the Levens’ speciallydesigned earth sheltered house you are struck by the lack of noise that comes with living underground and the amazing view of the natural bushland, in which the house is settled.
The bushland provides an ideal environment for the extensive wildlife, which the Levens take a great deal of interest in.
“We have spotted about 80 different species of birds during our time here, as well as wallabies and other wildlife,” said Mrs Levens.
But the 20 acres requires a great deal of maintenance, especially in preparation for the dangerous fire period.
“We have about 100 foot of brush cutting we need to do each spring as well as other garden maintenance to make sure our house can withstand a fire,” said Mrs Levens.
The time and effort that goes into ensuring the house is fire proof has not gone unnoticed in the Upper Beaconsfield community and the Levens have offered their home as a safe house to neighbours if a fire does come through the area.
“The community has established a Fire Guard Group that helps residents ensure their homes are prepared the best they can be for a fire,” said Mrs Levens.
There have been no real close calls with bushfires since the Levens went underground and they hope this trend continues.
The Levens intend to stay on their 20 acre bushland property as long as possible and thoroughly enjoy being part of the Upper Beaconsfield community.