Human remains were found near Longwood as extensive bushfires devastated parts of Victoria, destroying hundreds of structures and scorching more than 350,000 hectares. Authorities say the blazes — the worst in the southeast since the 2019–2020 Black Summer — have forced widespread power outages, degraded air quality in Melbourne and required thousands of firefighters and over 70 aircraft. Federal and state governments have pledged emergency funding for residents and farmers while investigations continue.
Human Remains Found Near Longwood As Massive Bushfires Ravage Victoria
The Longwood bushfire burns, in a location given as Longwood, Victoria, Australia, in this handout image released on January 7, 2026. Wandong Fire Brigade/Handout via REUTERS
Human remains were discovered near the town of Longwood as a series of out‑of‑control bushfires ripped through Victoria's countryside, police and officials said Sunday. The blazes, fueled by a summer heatwave, have destroyed homes and agricultural property, cut power to thousands of households and sent smoke across metropolitan Melbourne.
Scope of the Fires
Firefighters say the fires have scorched more than 350,000 hectares (about 860,000 acres) since midweek and destroyed over 300 structures, including homes, vineyards and other agricultural assets. More than 30 separate fires were active across Victoria on Sunday, and several blazes near the New South Wales border were rated at the state's highest danger level.
Discovery Near Longwood
Victoria Police said the remains were located by a passing vehicle near Longwood, roughly 110 km (70 miles) north of Melbourne. The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed and an investigation is underway.
Response and Warnings
Thousands of firefighters, supported by more than 70 aircraft, are engaged in suppression efforts. Victoria has a total fire ban in place as crews work to contain the blazes and protect communities. Forest Fire Management Victoria's chief fire officer, Chris Hardman, warned that control efforts could take weeks.
"These fires will not be contained before it gets hot, dry and windy again," Hardman told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Premier Jacinta Allan said smoke is affecting air quality across large parts of Victoria, including in metropolitan Melbourne, and urged residents to follow official guidance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced federal emergency funding for affected residents and for farmers facing urgent costs to distribute livestock fodder; officials estimate thousands of head of cattle may have been impacted.
Authorities have described the current blazes as the worst to hit southeast Australia since the 2019–2020 Black Summer fires, which destroyed an area the size of Turkey and claimed 33 lives.
Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; editing by Andrea Ricci and William Mallard.
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