Overview
- Authorities report almost 900 structures destroyed or damaged statewide, including 259 homes destroyed and 17 significantly damaged, as updated assessments reach more firegrounds.
- Eleven major fires remain active with containment and burnout operations underway, and several blazes including Natimuk, Streatham and Mount Mercer have been brought under control as warnings are reduced.
- The Longwood fire accounts for the heaviest losses with 173 homes and 442 outbuildings destroyed, while total area burned across Victoria has surpassed 410,000 hectares.
- State and federal support now tops $100 million, featuring initial grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers, concessional loans up to $250,000, recovery hubs and officers, and payments for extended power outages.
- Police say the Longwood ignition is suspected to involve a trailer throwing sparks on the Hume Freeway but remains under investigation, as the CFA chief urges hurting volunteers not to blame themselves and officials warn of potential late‑January spike days and a February fire peak.