Victoria has declared a total fire ban across the entire state as devastating bushfires continue for a second day. A State of Disaster is now in place across 18 local government areas and one alpine resort.
Figure 1: Flames engulf structures as a bushfire burns during catastrophic conditions in regional Victoria, prompting a statewide total fire ban. [Source: news.com.au]
In the Bushfire crisis Victoria at least 130 homes have been destroyed so far, with authorities warning this figure is conservative and likely to rise. Three adults initially reported missing in Longwood East have been found safe.
Bushfire Crisis Victoria: State of Disaster Powers Activated
Premier Jacinta Allan declared the State of Disaster late Friday night. The declaration provides emergency services with extraordinary powers to confront the crisis.
“This declaration gives our authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger. Tonight, we have reached that level of danger,” Allan said.
The bushfire crisis Victoria is experiencing affects multiple regions simultaneously. The State of Disaster sends a clear message to those in affected areas: if you can leave, you must.
The declaration focuses solely on protecting Victorian lives and supporting frontline emergency services. It provides additional support for evacuating people from dangerous areas and managing movement in and out of fire-affected communities.
Bushfire Conditions Worsening in Victoria: Multiple Fires Out of Control
As of Saturday afternoon, 67 fires are burning across Victoria. Ten of those remain out of control.
Residents face “take shelter now” warnings in communities around the Longwood bushfire, Carlisle River fire and Walwa region fire. Warnings now cover more than 800,000 hectares of land.
Figure 2: A Country Fire Authority (CFA) firefighter monitors fire activity near Malmsbury as smoke blankets the landscape. [Source: news.com.au]
The Longwood fire continues experiencing westerly winds following the frontal system that moved through on Friday. It remains very much uncontained, according to Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan.
The Walwa fire is travelling in an easterly direction. Authorities have urged residents to carefully check which warning applies to their location to avoid driving into the fire’s path.
Meanwhile, the grassfire at Ravenswood heads westerly and remains a significant concern. Bushfire conditions worsening in Victoria have prompted authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders across multiple districts.
Impact of Bushfires on Victoria Communities: Devastating Losses
The impact of bushfires on Victoria communities is evident, with numerous homes and other structures destroyed across Ravenswood and Harcourt. In Longwood, approximately 30 structures were destroyed.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch described the 130-structure figure as conservative. “We are expecting there could be more,” he said.
The bushfire crisis Victoria is enduring has led to major losses of livestock, farmland and vineyards in areas affected by the Longwood fire. A fire at Yarroweyah near Cobram has caused significant livestock and agricultural impacts.
The impact of bushfires on Victoria communities extends beyond property. Over 300,000 hectares of land has burnt, whilst 38,000 homes and businesses remain without power.
Longwood’s main street “looks like a bomb’s gone off,” according to CFA Captain George Noye. The town lost its school, though the CFA shed remains standing. Even navigating roads remains dangerous and hazardous.
Personal Stories of Loss
Artists and farmers Michelle and Chris from Mt Budd in central Victoria watched their property consumed by flames on a security camera. The live feed cut at approximately 4.30 pm on Friday.
Figure 3: Thick smoke from active bushfires turns the sky orange over farmland in Victoria amid extreme fire danger ratings. [Source: news.com.au]
“We watched our house being consumed on a security camera until the live feed was cut yesterday,” the couple wrote. Their beautiful Mt Budd property and photography studio, showcasing contemporary Australian landscape art, was destroyed.
“Our hearts go out to our friends and neighbours who are in a similar situation,” they added. The couple requested space to absorb the devastating situation.
Casualties and Injuries
Three firefighters have been injured while battling fires. In Ruffy, a firefighter suffered severe hand injuries described as significant third-degree burns. Another firefighter was reportedly hit in the face by a hose in the Natimuk fire.
An interstate firefighter with a pre-existing condition experienced a medical episode and was flown to the hospital.
Police found a 60-year-old man dead in his car in his paddock near the Ravenswood South bushfire at approximately 4.45 pm Friday. Authorities stated his death is believed not to be directly related to the fire, as his property was not impacted.
Premier Allan expressed thoughts to the man’s family, noting the Harcourt community is grieving as he died in such proximity to the fire.
Total Fire Ban Across Victoria
The total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01 am to 11.59 pm. The ban applies across the entire state.
Figure 4: Map showing areas affected by bushfires and emergency warnings across Victoria as fires burn out of control. [Source: news.com.au]
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan declared the ban due to multiple fires resulting from Friday’s catastrophic conditions.
“Firefighters are battling multiple fires across Victoria in difficult conditions today with extreme heat and strong winds,” he said. Crews have been working tirelessly to protect communities.
Victorians must follow strict conditions associated with the total fire ban declaration. Residents should understand how increased fire risk impacts them and ensure fire plans cover all contingencies.
Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings
Bushfire conditions worsening in Victoria have triggered catastrophic fire danger warnings across the North Central, Northern Country, South West and Wimmera districts. Extreme Fire Danger is likely in the Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, North East, West and South Gippsland districts.
The catastrophic conditions have drawn comparisons to the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20. However, authorities warn that current models could be worse.
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed these ratings reflect extreme heat and strong winds continuing across affected regions.
Australian Defence Force Deployment
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the Australian Defence Force will provide support to firefighting efforts. The support includes access to infrastructure and personnel.
“There are multiple dangerous bushfires burning across Victoria, some of which pose a threat to life and property. The situation is far from over, and a massive firefighting effort is underway,” Albanese said.
Figure 5: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during a briefing as authorities respond to the escalating bushfire emergency across Victoria. [Source: news.com.au]
The ADF will provide accommodation support for the Victorian Country Fire Service. This includes access to Gaza Ridge Barracks in South Bandiana and potentially other facilities if required.
Lightning Strikes Spark Multiple Fires
Commissioner Wiebusch confirmed several bushfires were sparked by lightning. However, the exact cause of all fires will be investigated thoroughly.
More fires are expected to develop, particularly through the Otways and Gippsland region, due to lightning that occurred on Friday and overnight.
Final Thoughts
The bushfire crisis Victoria faces represents an emergency of extraordinary scale. Bushfire conditions worsening in Victoria, and demand immediate action from residents in affected areas.
The impact of bushfires on Victoria communities will be felt for years. At least 130 homes destroyed, tens of thousands without power, and vast agricultural losses paint a grim picture.
Authorities continue pleading for residents to follow evacuation orders rather than attempt to defend properties. With catastrophic fire danger persisting and multiple blazes out of control, the coming days remain critical for Victorian communities.
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FAQs
Q1. What areas are covered by Victoria’s State of Disaster declaration?
Ans. The bushfire crisis Victoria declaration covers 18 local government areas and Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, including Alpine Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Mitchell Shire and Wellington Shire.
Q2. How many homes have been destroyed in the Victorian bushfires?
Ans. Bushfire conditions worsening in Victoria at least 130 structures have been destroyed, with approximately 50 at Ravenswood and Harcourt, and around 30 in Longwood. Authorities warn this figure is conservative.
Q3. What does the total fire ban mean for Victorians?
Ans. No fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm across the entire state of Victoria.
Q4. How many fires are currently burning across Victoria?
Ans. As of Saturday afternoon, 67 fires are burning across Victoria, with ten remaining out of control and warnings covering more than 800,000 hectares.
