The scale of destruction from the ongoing bushfire crisis in the Australian state of Victoria has become clearer, with authorities confirming at least 350 structures have been lost so far. The toll is expected to rise further as assessment teams reach more fire-ravaged areas.
Heartbreaking Losses in Small Communities
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, speaking from the fire-affected town of Natimuk, revealed the deeply personal impact of the blazes. She confirmed that at least 30 homes were destroyed in Natimuk alone when the Grass Flat fire swept through last Friday.
Among the losses were the homes of volunteer Country Fire Authority (CFA) members. "They weren't here to protect their own home because they were out protecting others," Premier Allan said, describing the situation as "heartbreaking".
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch provided a detailed breakdown of the damage across the state. The Longwood fire complex destroyed 154 structures around Euroa and Yarck, while the Streatham blaze claimed 59 structures, including 18 homes. The communities of Ravenswood and Harcourt lost a combined 47 homes and three businesses, alongside significant livestock losses.
Ongoing Threat and Official Response
While conditions eased on Monday, allowing firefighters to contain some blazes, authorities issued a stark warning. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan stated that Bureau of Meteorology data indicates weather will warm up again in late January, bringing a renewed spike in fire danger.
"There's a lot of fire in the landscape," Heffernan cautioned, urging Victorians to use the time to prepare for the rest of the fire season. As of Monday afternoon, 12 large fires continued to burn, with emergency warnings still in place for the Walwa and Carlisle River blazes.
In response, the state and federal governments have launched support measures, including:
- Assistance payments of up to $52,250 for eligible uninsured households.
- Expansion of the Rural Financial Counselling Service for mental health and business support.
- Grants of up to $5,000 for community wellbeing activities.
The government has also established the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal as a central donation point for those wishing to support recovery efforts.
Tragic Human Cost and Future Challenges
The fires have also claimed lives. Commissioner Wiebusch confirmed the remains of a man were found near a car off the road in the Longwood fire zone. In a separate incident, a man in his 60s died in Harcourt on Friday in a suspected medical episode.
Premier Allan also addressed concerns about emergency service funding, denying claims of cuts as "inaccurate". Chief Officer Heffernan supported this, stating the CFA's budget had increased and that an extra $20 million was provided after warnings of a severe season. He acknowledged concerns about ageing fire trucks but confirmed over 167 new trucks are on order or in production.
As communities like Natimuk begin to plan their recovery, the immediate focus remains on containing the existing fires and bracing for the predicted return of dangerous conditions later this month.
