UPDATE: Victoria is in the grip of a catastrophic bushfire crisis, with a state of disaster declared across 18 local government areas. As of January 9, 2026, one person has died, at least 10 homes have been destroyed, and a family of three remains missing in the devastated town of Longwood, located 50 km north of Melbourne.
Emergency services are overwhelmed as the fires rage on, having consumed over 50,000 hectares of bushland. Premier Jacinta Allan announced the urgent declaration due to life-threatening conditions and warned residents: “If you can, you must leave.” The situation has been described as the worst since the infamous 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes.
The family of three—two adults and a child—were last seen outside their now-destroyed home in Longwood. Authorities had advised them to shelter in place, indicating it was too late to evacuate. Their whereabouts remain unknown, adding to the growing emotional toll on the community.
As Victoria battles these fierce flames, the nearby state of New South Wales is bracing for intense heat, with temperatures expected to soar to 43°C this Saturday. The combination of heat and strong winds has led to total fire bans across Greater Sydney, with over 600 firefighters on standby to tackle more than 40 active blazes.
The Longwood fire has expanded to a staggering 145,000 hectares, prompting the deployment of hundreds of firefighting crews. RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin stated, “We have around 50 aircraft currently deployed or ready to respond, including large air tankers.” An additional 200 firefighters will be sent to assist Victoria in the coming days.
Devastating scenes have emerged from Longwood, where local fire captain George Noye described the area as apocalyptic. “The main street looks like a bomb’s gone off,” he lamented. “We’ve lost a school, and the CFA shed is still standing, but it’s dangerous to even navigate the roads.”
In nearby Ruffy, critical infrastructure, including schools and fire stations, has been destroyed, and a local firefighter has been hospitalized with severe burns. The impact of the fires extends beyond physical damage, as tens of thousands have lost access to drinking water, power, and telecommunications.
The Bureau of Meteorology reports that conditions remain volatile, with wind changes complicating firefighting efforts. “We are seeing fires moving towards the east or northeast,” warned senior forecaster Dean Narramore. These rapidly changing conditions are raising alarms for communities previously considered safe.
Premier Allan emphasized the urgency of the situation: “These fires are widespread, fast-moving, and devastating.” Assistance for those affected is being mobilized, including support for evacuees needing food, clothing, and medication.
As the fires continue to burn uncontrollably, residents are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders. With the forecast predicting extreme conditions, the community remains on high alert.
The crisis in Victoria is urgent and developing, with officials closely monitoring the situation. The emotional and physical toll is immense, and as the fires rage on, the hope is for swift containment and recovery.
