Victoria is facing a severe bushfire crisis, with at least 119 structures destroyed and more than 300,000 hectares of bushland burned as fires continue to rage across the state. Authorities warn that many of the blazes could burn for “days, if not weeks,” as emergency crews work to contain multiple out-of-control fires.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch told media on Saturday that approximately 50 homes had been lost in the Ravenswood and Harcourt fire, a figure he described as “conservative.” The blaze has also damaged the Bendigo railway line, which has been closed, disrupting local transport. At a town hall meeting, officials confirmed that most public buildings in Harcourt were saved, though several councillors and staff had lost their homes.
Significant losses were reported elsewhere, including around 30 structures destroyed in the Longwood fire, which also caused substantial damage to livestock, cropping land, and vineyards. The Natimuk grass fire destroyed 20 structures, while Yarrowee and Streatham lost 10 and five structures respectively. The Walwa fire caused comparatively fewer property losses, with four structures destroyed, but consumed around 10,000 hectares of pine plantations.
“Conditions we experienced yesterday with fire are unlike what we’ve seen in 2009 and 2019,” Wiebusch said. “Yesterday we saw more than 200 grass and scrub fires affect every corner of our state. Ten of those fires remain major, and many will continue to burn for days, if not weeks.”
Authorities confirmed that three people reported missing in the Longwood bushfire since Thursday were found safe in Benalla. Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush clarified that confusion had surrounded their identities but confirmed the three adults were “safe and well.”
In response to the escalating crisis, a state of disaster was declared early Saturday in 18 fire-affected local government areas, as well as the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. A total fire ban was imposed across Victoria, signaling the severity of the threat. “This declaration sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must,” Premier Jacinta Allan said. She emphasized that the powers granted by a state of disaster are intended to help authorities manage emergencies of “extraordinary scale and danger.”
By Saturday afternoon, 67 fires were burning across Victoria, including 10 out-of-control bushfires. While heatwave conditions had eased, temperatures across most of the state were expected to remain in the 20s, down from highs exceeding 45°C the previous day. Fire danger ratings were downgraded, with no areas classified as “catastrophic” or “extreme,” but strong wind gusts and persistent heat, particularly in the alpine and north-west regions, continued to pose risks.
Towns like Corryong have been significantly impacted. Pastors Douglas and Carol Allen stayed behind amid smoke and power outages to maintain operations at Corryong FoodShare. “We’ve got a generator. We’re keeping the fridges and freezers going so we don’t lose the food,” Carol Allen said. “We’re just going to ride it out now.”
Three major fires dominated Victoria’s fire map on Saturday: the Longwood fire moving east toward Lake Eildon, the out-of-control grassfire at Ravenswood north of Castlemaine that crossed the Calder Highway, and a bushfire west of Walwa advancing southeast from the Tallangatta valley. Authorities also expressed growing concern over fires in the Great Otway region, including a blaze along the Great Ocean Road and another near Carlisle River. Residents in Cape Otway, Maits Rest, and nearby towns were urged to evacuate immediately or take shelter.
Country Fire Authority Chief Jason Heffernan described the situation as “dynamic,” emphasizing the urgency for residents in affected areas to act quickly.
Premier Allan reported that over 38,000 homes and businesses remained without power, with more than 300,000 hectares burned. A man in his 60s was found deceased in a car near Harcourt on Friday evening, although his death was “not directly related to the fires,” she said, extending condolences to his family and the wider community.
Support has been mobilized across state borders. New South Wales deployed more than 90 firefighters to Victoria, with additional strike teams, aircraft, and resources requested from both national and international sources. South Australia’s Country Fire Service also contributed personnel, with authorities planning for continued support over the coming weeks. NSW faced its own fire challenges, with 53 bush and grass fires burning, 10 of which were uncontained, including a “watch and act” fire at Eurobodalla.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the national situation room in Canberra on Saturday, praising the tireless work of firefighters, emergency coordinators, and volunteers. “Australians across the country are facing extreme and dangerous weather conditions,” he said. He extended condolences to Victorians who had lost homes during the past 24 hours.
To provide immediate relief, the state and federal governments have activated personal hardship payments for fire-affected communities. These payments, accessible via relief centers and the Vic Emergency hotline, are intended to support residents with emergency assistance, food, clothing, and medical needs.
As firefighters continue their efforts across the state, officials warn that the scale of destruction and ongoing fire danger means communities must remain vigilant and prioritize evacuation when advised. The coming days are expected to test the resilience of Victoria’s residents and emergency services as the state faces one of its most severe fire crises in recent memory.
