Victoria is facing a catastrophic bushfire crisis, with at least one confirmed death, hundreds of homes destroyed, and emergency warnings still in place as out-of-control blazes continue to ravage the state.
Authorities confirmed that a man in his 60s died in the Longwood area, near Gobur, after his car ran off the road during the Longwood fire on Friday. His body was discovered on Sunday, approximately 100 meters from the vehicle in the scorched region. While cooler temperatures and lighter winds have eased the immediate threat from the Longwood blaze, a dozen other fires continue to rage across Victoria, forcing thousands to evacuate and leaving communities on high alert.
As of Monday afternoon, emergency warnings were in place for fires near Walwa in the northeast and the Otways in the southwest. Residents in north-east Victoria, including areas near the New South Wales border, were instructed to “take shelter now” as wildfires rapidly spread. Specific evacuation orders were issued for towns including Bungil, Burrowye, and Granya, with the fire advancing 25 kilometers west of Walwa.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has urged residents in Biggara, Colac Colac, Corryong, Cudgewa, Nariel Valley, Thowgla Valley, Towong, and Walwa to continue sheltering, noting that it remains “not safe to return” to affected areas. A relief center has been established at the Wodonga Racing and Exhibition Centre to accommodate evacuees.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited Natimuk in the Wimmera region, one of the areas devastated by fires over the weekend, and pledged immediate financial and mental health assistance for affected communities. She confirmed that more than 350 structures, including roughly 100 homes, have been destroyed since last week. The blazes have also threatened over 1,000 agricultural properties, burned approximately 400,000 hectares of land, and killed countless livestock.
Ms Allan announced that eligible uninsured households could receive up to $52,250 to help re-establish their principal residence, alongside one-off non-means-tested payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. Immediate hardship payments of up to $2,380 per family are also available. “These fires have caused unimaginable loss for so many across Victoria,” Ms Allan said. “That’s why we are delivering more financial and mental health support to help ease some of the burden facing our farmers and regional communities.”
The government has allocated $1 million to provide free mental health support for farmers and residents affected by the fires. Additionally, grants of up to $5,000 will be available to fund events and activities promoting mental health and wellbeing. Ms Allan emphasized that the assistance programs are intended to address both the physical and emotional toll of the fires, ensuring communities receive holistic support as they rebuild.
An extra $80 million has also been provided to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for training, water storage, equipment, and aerial operations. The Victorian Bushfire Appeal has been launched to allow the public to directly support fire-affected farmers and communities. “Every dollar raised through this appeal will go back into providing support for fire-affected communities,” Ms Allan said, noting that funding allocations will be guided by local advice.
Despite a recent cold front breaking the heatwave across much of the state, the Bureau of Meteorology warned that the bushfire threat remains extreme. Strong easterly winds continue to fuel flames in key fire zones. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore explained, “On Monday and Tuesday, we’re going to see much lighter winds, which may allow firefighters to gain an upper hand. But these fires, particularly the Longwood and Alpine fires, are so large that they will continue burning for weeks unless widespread heavy rainfall occurs.”
Mr. Narramore added that while easterly winds later this week are expected to bring some humidity, cloud cover, and rainfall, most fires in northern regions will see little relief. The combination of a six-month dry spell, high temperatures, and extremely dry vegetation has created ideal conditions for the fires to intensify. “The very hot air and thunderstorms last week sparked numerous fires, especially in inland areas where vegetation is extremely dry,” he said.
A total fire ban remains in effect for the north-east and north-central regions of Victoria. Since late last week, the fires have consumed forests, farmland, and residential properties, displacing thousands and leaving entire communities in ruins. Smoke from the blazes has affected air quality across Victoria and even extended into New South Wales and the ACT, prompting health warnings for vulnerable populations. Residents are being urged to monitor VicEmergency alerts for real-time updates.
Local firefighters continue to battle the flames under challenging conditions. Thousands of personnel, including reinforcements from interstate and the Northern Territory, have been deployed, yet strong winds and dry conditions persist. Ruffy Country Fire Authority Captain George Noye described the devastation in his community, where half the residents lost their homes or other structures. “The local primary school has been completely destroyed,” he said. In addition to property loss, hundreds of livestock have perished, and CFA teams have assisted in euthanizing injured animals, including around 600 sheep in Ruffy alone.
The fires have severely impacted infrastructure, leaving roads blocked and electricity networks disrupted. Smoke-laden skies have compounded the challenges for firefighters and residents alike, further complicating evacuation and relief efforts. Emergency services continue to urge locals to stay alert and follow official warnings.
The human toll of the bushfires has been profound. Survivors are grappling with the loss of homes, livelihoods, and community landmarks. Ms Allan acknowledged the trauma experienced by Victorians, stressing that recovery requires both immediate support and long-term mental health services. “Alongside physical rebuilding, there is an immense emotional burden,” she said. “Families, farmers, and communities need assistance not just to rebuild structures but also to process and recover from the trauma they have endured.”
The scale of the destruction has prompted authorities to emphasize community preparedness and vigilance. Residents in fire-prone areas are reminded to have emergency plans in place and to heed all evacuation orders. Firefighters and emergency personnel continue working around the clock to contain blazes and prevent further loss of life.
As Victoria faces a prolonged recovery, the government and emergency agencies are focused on providing a multi-faceted response. From financial aid and mental health services to fire suppression efforts and infrastructure restoration, the state is mobilizing resources on an unprecedented scale. Relief centers like the one at Wodonga are playing a critical role in offering shelter and support to displaced residents, while local communities have come together to support each other amidst the destruction.
Environmental conditions remain a critical factor in the ongoing emergency. Hot, dry weather combined with gusty winds has created extreme fire behavior, allowing blazes to jump firebreaks and spread rapidly. Fire authorities warn that while cooler temperatures may temporarily aid containment, the risk of flare-ups remains significant. Long-term weather forecasts suggest limited rainfall for the most affected areas, meaning firefighters will continue to face difficult conditions in the days and weeks ahead.
The impact on agriculture has been devastating. In addition to the loss of homes and properties, thousands of livestock have died, and crop yields have been destroyed. Relief programs targeting farmers are considered essential to stabilizing rural economies and ensuring the viability of the affected communities. Ms Allan noted that the Victorian Bushfire Appeal will prioritize the needs of those hardest hit, ensuring donations directly support fire-impacted areas.
Communities remain on edge as authorities continue to manage a multi-front emergency. While relief efforts are underway, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety over property. The bushfires have demonstrated the destructive power of Victoria’s increasingly volatile climate, underscoring the importance of preparedness and coordinated response in the face of natural disasters.
As Victoria continues to confront this unprecedented bushfire crisis, the human stories of loss, resilience, and solidarity highlight both the devastation and the enduring spirit of affected communities. Recovery will be a long and challenging journey, but with sustained government support, the efforts of emergency services, and community solidarity, Victoria aims to rebuild stronger in the wake of one of the worst bushfire events in recent memory.
