Overview
- About 400,000 hectares have burned across Victoria, with more than 350 structures lost and around a dozen major fires still active.
- Emergency warnings remain in the Walwa area near the NSW border, while the Otways and Longwood fires have been downgraded to watch and act.
- Police identified the deceased as local cattle farmer Max Hobson, whose remains were found near a vehicle in the Longwood fireground.
- The Longwood blaze has destroyed 154 structures and heavy livestock losses are reported; authorities have said it was sparked by a trailer shedding embers.
- Governments announced a $19.5 million relief package and new grants of up to $52,250 for uninsured residents, with a state appeal opening for donations.