Victoria is under siege! Over 100 buildings decimated, and a staggering 300,000 hectares scorched as relentless bushfires rage on. Officials warn these devastating fires may continue to burn for weeks, striking fear into communities across the state.

The nightmare began as scorching heat and fierce winds sparked blazes that tore through the land. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch reported that at least 50 homes were lost near Ravenswood and Harcourt alone. “It’s a conservative number,” he cautioned. The Bendigo railway line also succumbed to the flames, shutting down a vital transport link.

In Longwood, 30 structures have been wiped out, along with crucial livestock and farmlands. Natimuk saw the destruction of 20 buildings, while Yarrowee and Streatham faced severe losses too. The Walwa fire, while smaller in building damage, destroyed 10,000 hectares of pine plantations.

“Conditions we experienced are unlike what we've seen in the past,” Wiebusch stated. With over 200 fires igniting, 10 raging uncontrollably, the battle seems endless. A state of disaster has been declared across 18 regions. Residents urged to evacuate as the threat to life and property looms large.

The good news? Three people, feared missing, have been found safe in Benalla amid the chaos—a rare bright spot. Meanwhile, a total fire ban blankets the state, underlining the gravity of the situation.

Though a cool change has tempered temperatures, the danger is far from over. Damaging winds are a menacing threat, particularly in the mountainous regions. Communities around the Great Ocean Road, including Cape Otway and Maits Rest, have been urged to flee. For many, escape routes are limited, and time is of the essence.

Premier Allan emphasized the perils still ahead, warning that despite a drop in the heatwave, the combination of wind and fire remains precarious. The focus is on containing the major fires: Longwood headed towards Alexandra, the out-of-control grassfire in Ravenswood, and the bushfire near Walwa.

With more outbreaks feared, communities are on high alert. The Country Fire Authority’s Jason Heffernan described it as a “dynamic situation,” urging readiness. Will the reinforcements make a difference? Or is the worst still to come?

Key Takeaways

• Victoria aflame: 100+ buildings gone, endless hectares ablaze.

• State of disaster as evacuations ramp up—no room for complacency!

• Dangerous winds threaten further havoc; brace for the long fight.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2026-01-10

 

 

Yeah, global warming is definitely a hoax.

16 minutes ago, gargamon said:

Yeah, global warming is definitely a hoax.

As I recall, wildfires were a feature of the Australian landscape long before V8 Holdens. In fact, didn't the noble savages use massive fires as an agriculture tool, long before the Brits darkened their shorelines?

BTW, you're not supposed to call it "global warming", otherwise you can't blame it for this year's increase in European people freezing to death. It's "climate change". That way, you can make people feel guilty no matter what the weather does.