UPDATE: Victoria’s bushfire crisis has escalated dramatically, with reports confirming that entire towns have been obliterated. As of January 9, 2026, one man has been found dead, and a family of three is missing after their home was destroyed in the fire-ravaged area of Longwood, approximately 50 km north of Melbourne.
The state has declared a state of disaster across 18 local government areas, prompting Premier Jacinta Allan to issue urgent evacuation warnings. “If you can leave, you must,” she stated, underscoring the immediate threat to life and property. The current bushfires have consumed more than 50,000 hectares of bushland and destroyed at least 10 homes, marking this crisis as the worst since the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019-2020.
In Longwood, the scene is described as apocalyptic. Firefighters are working tirelessly as the Longwood fire expands to 145,000 hectares. Witnesses report that the main street resembles a war zone, with local fire captain George Noye stating, “The main street looks like a bomb’s gone off.”
The situation worsens with Sydney bracing for a scorching 43°C on Saturday, intensifying fire risks across New South Wales. Fire authorities have put total fire bans in place across Greater Sydney, with over 600 firefighters on standby to combat more than 40 active blazes in the region. RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin confirmed that around 50 aircraft are deployed or ready for immediate response.
Adding to the chaos, a firefighter near Ruffy was hospitalized with third-degree burns, while critical infrastructure such as drinking water and power services have been disrupted for tens of thousands of residents. In Wahring, Deputy Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy described the devastation as catastrophic: “I’ve never seen the type of disruption and displacement of people that I witnessed yesterday.”
Weather conditions are compounding the crisis, with high winds and soaring temperatures creating a perfect storm for fire outbreaks. Multiple fires are currently rated at emergency level, and authorities warn that existing blazes have sparked new uncontrolled fires.
Emergency Management Victoria continues to monitor the situation closely, labeling fire conditions as “catastrophic and extreme.” Premier Allan has promised assistance for those who have lost homes and livestock, stating that immediate support will be available for food, clothing, and medical needs.
As the fires rage on, the community remains on high alert, and officials stress the importance of heeding evacuation orders. The outlook remains grim, with authorities indicating that these fires could burn for weeks, posing ongoing threats to life and property.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops.
