More than 119 structures have been destroyed and over 300,000 hectares of land burned as bushfires rage across Victoria, with authorities warning the blazes may continue for weeks. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch confirmed on Saturday that around 50 homes were lost in the Ravenswood and Harcourt fire, describing the number as 'conservative'. The Bendigo railway line has also been damaged and closed.
Significant losses were reported in other fires: 30 structures in Longwood, 20 in Natimuk, 10 in Yarrowee, and five in Streatham. The Walwa fire destroyed around four structures but burned 10,000 hectares of pine plantations. Wiebusch noted that conditions were unlike those seen in 2009 and 2019, with over 200 grass and scrub fires affecting the state on Friday.
Three people missing in the Longwood bushfire since Thursday were found safe in Benalla, according to Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush, who said there had been some confusion about their identities. A state of disaster was declared early Saturday for 18 local government areas and the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, while a total fire ban was in force across Victoria. Premier Jacinta Allan stated the declaration sends a clear message that those advised to leave must do so.
By Saturday afternoon, 67 fires were burning, including 10 out of control. Heatwave conditions eased, with most of the state expecting temperatures in the 20s after exceeding 45C on Friday. No districts were rated catastrophic or extreme fire danger, but concerns remained over damaging wind gusts and persistent heat in the north-west.
In Corryong, pastors Douglas and Carol Allen stayed behind without power or phone network to protect their food bank, using a generator to keep fridges running. Major fires included the Longwood fire heading east towards Lake Eildon, an out-of-control grassfire at Ravenswood crossing the Calder Highway, and the Walwa bushfire moving south-east. Two new blazes in the Great Otway region prompted urgent evacuation warnings for communities at Cape Otway and Maits Rest, as well as Carlisle River.
