The bushfire threat in Victoria has eased, with no emergency warnings in place for the first time since Thursday. The State Control Centre confirmed 12 major blazes are still active, but conditions have improved temporarily. Authorities urge communities to remain alert as conditions are expected to worsen around 23 or 24 January.
More than 500 structures have been damaged or destroyed, including at least 90 homes and 243 outbuildings in the Longwood fire alone. That blaze has burned over 144,000 hectares and claimed the life of cattle farmer Maxwell Hobson. The prime minister expressed condolences to his family.
Other affected areas include Ravenswood and Harcourt, where 51 homes and three businesses were lost, and Streatham, with 15 homes and 39 outbuildings destroyed. The Grass Flat blaze in Natimuk saw its home loss estimate reduced from 30 to 17. Yarroweyah lost 12 structures, while Mount Mercer, Wonnangatta and Kennedys Creek each lost one.
The federal and state governments have committed an initial $10 million to a clean-up program, with a focus on uninsured households. The Victorian government also allocated $5 million to waive landfill fees. An emergency recovery hotline has been set up at 1800 560 760.
