Overview
- Fire authorities report about 28,000 hectares burned north of Melbourne, with roughly 30 fires active across Victoria.
- Dozens of hamlets have been evacuated in Victoria, and three people, including a child, are reported missing.
- Gale-force gusts have temporarily halted water-bombing operations and are expected to accelerate fire spread.
- Crews fear at least 20 homes were destroyed in the town of Ruffy, and earlier fires near the Hume Highway killed livestock and leveled buildings.
- More than 30,000 households lost power during one of Victoria’s hottest days in years, as researchers note Australia has warmed about 1.51°C since 1910, increasing extreme weather risk.