Heatwaves pushing temperatures above 40°C have fueled dozens of bushfires across Victoria, burning more than 300,000 hectares and destroying over 300 buildings, including 70+ homes. Authorities confirmed one death near Longwood and said conditions had eased enough for crews to begin containment and damage assessments. Hundreds of firefighters have been mobilised, and the prime minister has sought possible international assistance as communities brace for recovery.
Victorian Heatwave Sparks Devastating Bushfires — 300,000+ Hectares Burned, One Confirmed Dead
A bushfire burning in the Mount Lawson State Park, 25 kilometres west of Walwa, Victoria state (Handout)(Handout/Forest Fire Management Victoria/AFP)
Severe bushfires fueled by an intense heatwave have scorched large swathes of Victoria, Australia, destroying hundreds of buildings and killing at least one person, authorities said on Sunday.
Widespread Damage and Human Cost
Temperatures climbed above 40°C as a heatwave blanketed the state, igniting dozens of blazes that together have consumed more than 300,000 hectares (about 740,000 acres). Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said more than 300 buildings were burned to the ground — a figure that includes sheds and other outbuildings — and that over 70 houses were destroyed along with vast areas of farmland and native forest.
Fatality and Local Impact
Police confirmed one person died in a fire near the town of Longwood, roughly a two-hour drive north of Melbourne. Chris Hardman of Forest Fire Management Victoria said the death had a sobering effect on crews and the local community. "This really takes all the wind out of our sails," he told the ABC. "We really feel for the local community there and the family, friends and loved ones of the person that is deceased."
"There were embers falling everywhere. It was terrifying," cattle farmer Scott Purcell said of the Longwood blaze.
Fire Behavior and Firefighting Response
Another intense fire near the town of Walwa produced enough heat to generate localized thunderstorms and lightning, complicating efforts. Hundreds of firefighters from across Australia have been mobilised, and as conditions eased on Sunday crews began assessing damage and working toward containment. Authorities had declared a state of disaster the previous day.
Government and International Assistance
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had been in discussions with Canada and the United States about potential additional support. Fire and emergency services continue to coordinate deployments and relief efforts for affected communities.
Climate Context
Officials and researchers note the fires follow one of the hottest weeks of the year. Scientists say Australia has warmed by an average of about 1.51°C since 1910, a trend that contributes to more frequent and severe extreme weather and increases bushfire risk. Comparisons have been made to the 2019-20 "Black Summer" fires, which burned millions of hectares and destroyed thousands of homes across eastern Australia.
Outlook: While some conditions eased enough on Sunday to allow containment efforts to make progress, authorities warned communities to stay alert for changing weather, ember attacks and hazardous smoke. Recovery and damage assessments are ongoing.
Sources: State emergency services, Forest Fire Management Victoria, national broadcaster ABC.
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