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State of Disaster in Victoria as Bushfires Scorch 300,000 Hectares and Level Homes

Three previously unaccounted people were found safe, with shifting winds keeping several major fires dangerous despite some easing in the heat.

Overview

  • Authorities declared a state of disaster across 18 local government areas and kept a total fire ban in place as evacuations and relief operations continued.
  • More than 300,000 hectares have burned and at least 115 to 130 structures are confirmed destroyed, with losses concentrated in Ravenswood–Harcourt, Longwood, Grass Flat, Yarroweyah and Streatham.
  • Tens of thousands of customers have lost power and critical infrastructure has been hit, including the Bendigo rail line and local water supplies in parts of Harcourt.
  • The largest active fronts include Longwood and Walwa/Mount Lawson, and officials warn several fires will keep burning for days or weeks despite hundreds of firefighters on the ground.
  • A firefighter was hospitalised with third-degree burns and the Australian Defence Force has been requested to provide accommodation support for crews.