New satellite imagery has starkly revealed the immense scale of the bushfires ravaging the Australian state of Victoria, capturing vast plumes of smoke billowing across the landscape. The blazes, which ignited during a severe heatwave last week, have now scorched more than 400,000 hectares and continue to burn, generating dramatic pyrocumulus clouds—towering, storm-like formations created by the intense heat.
Firefronts and a Mounting Toll
While more favourable weather on Tuesday provided some respite, several major fires remain out of control. The most significant is the Longwood blaze, which has alone consumed 144,000 hectares and destroyed 90 homes. Across the state, the fires have razed at least 500 buildings, including more than 200 homes, and damaged 1,000 farms. The human cost was confirmed with the death of farmer Maxwell Hobson, whose body was found in a fireground in the state's northeast on Sunday.
Authorities told AAP that the fire near the town of Alexandra, linked to Mr Hobson's death, is suspected to have started from a trailer causing sparks on the Hume Freeway, though arson has not been ruled out. As conditions eased in some areas, residents began the heartbreaking return to inspect what remains of their communities.
Government Launches Recovery Effort
In response to the devastation, Premier Jacinta Allan announced a $15 million recovery package to kickstart the cleanup. An initial $10 million is earmarked to help uninsured residents remove damaged structures and hazardous materials. A further $5 million will waive waste levies in eligible local government areas and cover landfill operator gate fees.
"This is to provide that immediate support to start that rebuilding journey. It's a long one, but we need to start it with the cleanup work, which is what this funding is for," Ms Allan stated. This follows an earlier announcement of emergency relief payments of up to $52,250 for uninsured residents to re-establish homes.
Agricultural and Insurance Claims Climb
The economic and agricultural impact is severe and growing. The Insurance Council of Australia reported 1,386 bushfire-related claims since January 7, covering property, commercial, motor, and business losses. Meanwhile, the Victorian Farmers Federation estimates statewide livestock deaths have reached 16,500, mainly sheep, with numbers expected to rise.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said conditions should aid firefighters until at least Thursday, but authorities warn that hotter temperatures forecast for late January could see fires flare again. The scale of the disaster has drawn comparisons to the catastrophic 2019-2020 Black Summer fires, with authorities describing this as the worst to hit south-east Australia since that season.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered condolences to the family and friends of Maxwell Hobson, acknowledging the community's grief. For residents like fifth-generation farmer Colleen Furlanetto from the hard-hit town of Ruffy, the trauma is profound. Her house was spared, but fire destroyed a relative's property. "My family has never seen anything like this," she told AAP. "This is off the charts."
