Victoria fires: At least 130 homes destroyed and 300,000ha burned

Bush ravaged by fire in Harcourt, Victoria. Photo / Malmsbury Fire Brigade

At least 130 homes have been lost so far as Victoria’s bushfire crisis in Australia continues for its second day, with a state of disaster declared in 18 fire-affected local government areas and one alpine resort.

A total fire ban is now in place across the entire state amid apocalyptic scenes emerging in Longwood, where a fast-moving grass fire continues to burn through the town.

An out-of-control bushfire at Carlisle River has prompted authorities to issue a warning for those in the area to “leave immediately” as the fire travels in a north-easterly direction towards Colac.

On Saturday evening, those in affected areas around the Longwood and Walwa bushfires have been told it is too late to leave safely and “you must take shelter now”.

At least 130 structures have been lost so far, according to Victoria’s emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch.

“But that is a conservative number, and we are expecting there could be more,” he said.

Around 50 structures at Ravenswood and Harcourt and about 30 in Longwood have been lost.

Significant livestock and cropping land, and vineyards have been impacted or destroyed by the Longwood fire.

A fire in Yarroweyah near Cobram has caused “significant livestock and also agricultural impacts”, Wiebusch said.

He confirmed that a number of the bushfires were sparked by lightning, however, the cause of the fires will be investigated.

More fires are set to ravage particularly through the Otways and the Gippsland region because of lightning.

Premier Jacinta Allan has already confirmed well over 300,000ha of land has been burned and 38,000 homes and businesses are without power.

She said Friday’s disaster declaration: ”gives our authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger. Tonight, we have reached that level of danger,.

“This does not change specific advice currently in place for anyone in fire-affected areas.

“But it sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must.”

Three people who authorities believed at the time to be a woman, man and child who were missing, have been clarified to be three adults.

Authorities have confirmed the three adults have been found safe after being unaccounted for in Longwood East, Allan said yesterday.

Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.