URGENT UPDATE: Victoria is engulfed in a severe bushfire crisis, with at least 10 homes destroyed and over 50,000 hectares of bushland razed, prompting widespread evacuations. A state of disaster has been declared in 18 local government areas including the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, as authorities warn that some communities have been “completely obliterated.”
Premier Jacinta Allan announced this urgent measure overnight, emphasizing the immediate danger to life and property. She issued a stark warning: “If you have been advised to leave, you must do so.” As of Friday, three individuals remain missing in the chaos of dozens of active fires across the state, marking the situation as one of the worst since the catastrophic 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes.
The missing persons—two adults and a child—were last unaccounted for after a fire devastated their home in the hard-hit town of Longwood, approximately 50 km north of Melbourne. In the nearby town of Ruffy, significant property losses include a local school, while a firefighter has been hospitalized with third-degree burns.
To the east, a separate fire near the border town of Walwa has consumed a pine tree plantation, with the Longwood fire alone burning more than 35,000 hectares and the blaze near Walwa scorching over 17,000 hectares. Both fires are expected to remain uncontrolled for weeks despite the valiant efforts of hundreds of firefighters battling the blazes.
In Wahring, about 150 km northeast of Melbourne, Strathbogie Shire Deputy Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy described the situation as “catastrophic.” She stated, “I’ve never seen the type of disruption and displacement of people that I witnessed yesterday, and I’m sure I’ll witness again today.” Essential services like drinking water, telecommunications, and power have been severely impacted in several affected areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported a cool change overnight, but warned that wind shifts could exacerbate the fire risks. Senior forecaster Dean Narramore noted, “If you were east of any of the fire zones yesterday, you were okay, but today you could be in harm’s way.”
Soaring temperatures heightened the fire risks, with thermometers climbing into the mid-40s°C in central Victoria, and wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. On Saturday morning, multiple fires were classified at emergency level—the highest danger rating—as the Country Fire Authority imposed a total fire ban for the day. The agency cautioned that warm and strong winds could further spread the already fierce blazes, many ignited by lightning strikes.
Premier Allan highlighted the escalating fire activity, stating, “This combination of weather factors creates conditions where fires can quickly become uncontrollable.” Emergency Management Victoria described the fire conditions as “catastrophic and extreme,” marking a critical moment in the state’s battle against wildfires.
As the situation develops, officials are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders. The coming days are critical as emergency teams continue their fight against the relentless flames.
