In early 2009 Victoria endured extreme temperatures and massive bush fires. More than 7,500 people were displaced and more than 2000 homes were lost throughout 78 townships within 19 councils. Most tragically, 173 people died and hundreds were injured. It was days and weeks before the full extent of the destruction could begin to be established. Months later, Victorian communities are all still grappling to come to terms with the enormity of this event. This paper relates the course of the AICCM response to the bushfires, noting key factors that influenced the process. In addition, it assesses those actions taken and summarises the lessons learned from the endeavour. It is written in the hope that the suggestions will assist the development and implementation of a national disaster preparedness program to improve Australia’s capacity to preserve and salvage cultural heritage threatened by disasters. This paper is not comprehensive rather it should be taken as a record of events that may act as discussion points for further work AICCM can do.