Bushfires destroy hundreds of buildings across Victoria

Bushfires: deaths, damage and emergency response

One person has died and hundreds of buildings have been destroyed as bushfires burn across south-east Australia, prompting a state of emergency in Victoria.

BBC News coverage published on 11 January reports that fires have been active for several days across Victoria and parts of New South Wales, driven by hot, dry and windy conditions.

Thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft have been deployed, with residents in more than a dozen communities advised to leave their homes.

Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan said 30 active fires were burning across the state, including 10 of particular concern, with about 350,000 hectares burned as of Sunday morning.

Jacinta Allan said: “We will see fires continue for some time across the state and that is why we are not through the worst of this by a long way.

“There are fires that are continuing right now that are threatening homes and property.”

Police confirmed that human remains were found in the village of Gobur near Longwood, with the victim later identified as Max Hobson.

Smoke from the fires has affected air quality across large parts of Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne.

Scientists told BBC News that climate change is making hot and dry conditions linked to bushfires more common, while noting that land management practices also influence fire behaviour.

Communities affected as homes destroyed

Several towns have suffered extensive damage, with Harcourt among the hardest hit after dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed.

Firefighter Tyrone Rice lost his own home while responding to fires in the area.

Rice said losing his home was “like a kick in the guts”.

Volunteer firefighter Jess Bell said embers landed on her property before she was forced to evacuate, with her house later spared after a containment line was cut behind it.

Bell said: “Our home was one of the fortunate houses to remain standing.

“Harcourt is devastating to see.”

ABC News live coverage reports that residents returning briefly to fire-affected areas were warned to prepare for emotional distress, with access restricted in some locations due to hazardous trees and fallen powerlines.

Farmers across affected regions reported heavy livestock losses, with the Victorian Farmers Federation estimating that more than 15,000 animals have been lost, a figure expected to rise as assessments continue.

Government and interstate support for response

Interstate assistance has been deployed to support local crews as fire conditions remain severe.

Government of Western Australia confirmed that 38 emergency services specialists were sent to Victoria following a request coordinated through the National Resource Sharing Centre.

The deployment includes frontline firefighters and an Incident Management Team supporting operations in the Barwon South West and Gippsland regions.

Western Australia Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said: “Our thoughts are with all Victorians who have been impacted by these catastrophic bushfires.

“They will play key roles in the emergency response.”

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said resource sharing allows specialist teams to rotate and provide sustained support.

Additional measures reported by ABC News include mental health support services, emergency grants for uninsured households and recovery hubs offering access to power, water and essential services.

Authorities continue to urge residents to monitor official warnings and prepare for changing conditions as bushfires remain active across multiple regions.