Victoria Bushfires Destroy Homes and Force Evacuations Amid Extreme Heat

Widespread bushfires in Victoria have resulted in the destruction of homes, forced evacuations, and left thousands without power as authorities respond to emergency conditions across multiple regions.

Fire danger ratings in several parts of Victoria have reached 'catastrophic' or 'extreme' levels ahead of forecasted high temperatures. Emergency warnings and evacuation orders have been issued for communities including Buxton, Marysville, Natimuk, Streatham, Bamganie, Longwood, and Ruffy as fire conditions deteriorate.

The Longwood bushfire in central Victoria has burned through approximately 28,000 hectares, destroying at least one residential property in Ruffy. In the same area, authorities have reported that three people—a child and two adults—are missing after a house was destroyed near Longwood East.

In Ruffy, at least 20 homes have been lost to the fires, and a firefighter has been hospitalized with third-degree burns. Fire services from New South Wales have been deployed to assist local crews in containing the spread of the fires.

What the numbers show

• 28,000 hectares burned in the Longwood bushfire
• More than 1,500 parks and reserves closed across Victoria
• Temperatures forecast to reach up to 47 °C in some inland areas
• Over 70,000 properties without power due to wind and lightning

More than 1,500 parks and reserves have been closed throughout Victoria in response to escalating fire activity and extreme weather conditions. The closures are part of efforts to protect public safety and reduce the risk of further incidents as temperatures in some areas have climbed into the mid-40s Celsius.

Emergency relief payments have been authorized for residents in affected local government areas, including Strathbogie and Towong. These payments are intended to assist those impacted by property loss and evacuations as the emergency continues.

Authorities have stated that dry lightning and shifting winds could ignite new fires or make current fires more difficult to control. These factors are contributing to ongoing risks across the state, prompting continued monitoring and response from emergency services.

Power outages have affected over 70,000 properties, with wind and lightning activity linked to the bushfires disrupting electricity supply. Restoration efforts are underway as conditions allow, but access to some areas remains limited due to active fire zones.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.