Dire Fire Warnings Remain Across Victoria as More Than 130 Homes Destroyed

Melbourne, January 11: Victoria is facing one of its most dangerous bushfire emergencies in years, with at least 130 homes confirmed destroyed as firefighters battle multiple out-of-control blazes across the state.

Emergency authorities say the situation remains extremely volatile, with 15 emergency warnings currently in place across three major fire zones. Thousands of residents are affected, and officials warn the worst may not yet be over.

Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said the damage assessment was still ongoing.

“At least 130 homes have been lost, but that is a conservative estimate and we expect that number to rise as more areas become accessible,” he said.

Around 50 buildings have been destroyed in Ravenswood and Harcourt, while about 30 structures have been lost in Longwood alone.

Emergency conditions remain across Victoria, with three major fires and eight others under Watch and Act alerts. Photo: Vic Emergency

Winds Could Rapidly Worsen Conditions

Although cooler temperatures have slowed the spread of fire, authorities warn that strong south-westerly winds could quickly change conditions.

A Vic Emergency warning said:

“Fire behaviour remains unpredictable and can change rapidly with shifting winds.”

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Dean Narramore warned that several of the major fires are now so large that they are creating their own weather systems.

Burnt trees and smouldering ruins mark the path of the devastating bushfires. Photo: Collected

“Even light to moderate winds can cause major flare-ups. Large fires like Longwood and the north-east Victoria fire are generating their own gusty winds, which makes them extremely dangerous,” he said.

The Longwood fire has already burned through 144,000 hectares, and is expected to grow further.

Residents Told It Is Too Late to Leave

Six emergency warnings remain in place around Longwood, with authorities telling residents it is too late to evacuate and that they must take shelter immediately.

The same warnings apply to dozens of communities including Alexandra, Bonnie Doon, Lake Eildon, Merton, Ruffy, Strathbogie, Yarck, Whanregarwen and many surrounding areas.

In north-east Victoria, emergency warnings are also in force near Walwa, affecting towns such as Corryong, Towong, Nariel Valley, Tallangatta Valley and Cudgewa.

In the Otways, residents near Carlisle River were told leaving would be deadly.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. The safest option is to take shelter indoors. It is too late to leave.”

Dramatic Air Rescue as Home Burns

Three people were rescued by Victoria Police Air Wing after becoming trapped by flames near Caveat.

A 59-year-old woman, an 82-year-old woman, and a 92-year-old man had stayed on their isolated property trying to defend it. After their home was destroyed, they spent the night in their car and later took refuge inside a shipping container as fires closed in.

Police aircrews rescue residents trapped by advancing flames.

Police aircrews rescued the trio and their cat just in time. The 82-year-old woman suffered burns to her hands.

Air Wing tactical officer Brittany Smith said:

“We do not encourage sheltering in shipping containers, but on this occasion this family was extremely lucky.”

Harcourt Drinking Water Contaminated

The Harcourt township has been left without safe drinking water after fire-damaged water mains allowed contamination into the system. Authorities warned that boiling the water will not make it safe.

Emergency crews are working to supply clean water to residents.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen said:

“This small but strong community has been hit very hard. The fires have even affected their drinking water supply.”

Emergency services are urging everyone in fire-affected areas to stay alert, monitor official warnings, and act immediately when instructed.