This is Saturday’s live blog. To stay up to date on all emergency warnings and rolling coverage, please follow our Sunday blog here.

More than 100 buildings have been destroyed and Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a state of disaster as Victoria’s worst bushfires since the Black Summer rage.

Ten major fires continue to burn on Saturday in the state’s north, northeast and southwest, but in welcome news, the three Victorians who were unaccounted for have been found “safe and well”. A total fire ban remains in place.

See below the rolling coverage of Victoria’s bushfire emergency from Saturday.

Smoke fills the sky at Mt Lawson. Picture: Timothy Dean

Flames rip through the bush at Mt Lawson. Picture: Timothy Dean

Fire crews tackle the Mt Lawson blaze. Picture: News Media Network

The sky at Mt Lawson early on Saturday. Picture: Timothy Dean

What we know

• Three Victorians, who were unaccounted for as of Friday night, have been found “safe and well”

• Several major fires, including in Longwood and Ravenswood South in the central north, and in Walwa in the northeast are continuing to burn

• Overnight on Saturday further warnings were issued around Walwa and Longwood

• 15 emergency warnings

• 16 “watch and act” notifications

• At least 50 structures lost in Harcourt and Ravenswood

• At least 30 structures lost in Longwood

• At least 20 structures lost in Natimuk

• At least 10 structures lost in Yarrowee

• 300,000ha burnt

• 14,000 households without power

Raging fire at Alexandra. Picture: News Media Network

Fire tears through bushland near Alexandra. Picture: News Media Network

8PM: Residents in Longwood fire danger zones told to take shelter

Fresh emergency warnings are sounding for towns in the firing line of the Longwood blaze.

Those in Acheron, Devils River, Eildon, Taylor Bay, Thornton are being told it is too dangerous to leave safely now, so taking shelter indoors is the best option.

Ancona, Fawcett, Gooram, Merton, Strathbogie, Strathbogie South, Woodfield, Limestone, Whanregarwen and Yea have also been told it is too late to leave.

7PM: Ambulance Victoria downgrades red escalation

Ambulance Victoria has downgraded a statewide red escalation to an orange level for active bushfire zones.

The downgrade means some crews which were temporarily relocated from branches in high-risk areas will begin a staged return to their branches where it is safe to do so.

This will mean more first responders will be available and ready to attend those in need.

The move follows improved conditions across much of the state and consultation with other emergency services.

Victorians are being encouraged to consider alternative care options for non-urgent health concerns, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, NURSE ON CALL, local Urgent Care Clinics, GPs and pharmacists.

6:30PM: Smoke drifts over the CBD

A blanket of smoke is enveloping Melbourne as more than 30 fires continue to burn across Victoria.

Thick smoke drifted into the CBD about 6pm.

However, according to the EPA the air quality remains good.

In nearby areas including Footscray and Alphington the quality is described as fair, and further east in Dandenong the rating is poor.

Man takes a photo of the CBD sitting behind Collingwood Children’s Farm from the Johnston street view point, as smoke from the bushfires blankets the city. Picture: Brendan Beckett

View from Yarra Bend Road bridge in Fairfield. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Smoke from the Victorian bushfires moves over Melbourne city. Picture: David Crosling

6PM: Surf towns blanketed by smoke, CFA volunteers exhausted

Surf towns along the Great Ocean Rd, including Torquay, are being blanketed by smoke as a fire rages out-of-control in the Great Otway National Park.

Liberal Polwarth MP Richard Riordan said local CFA volunteers were “exhausted, needing more resources” and battling in a “very difficult landscape”.

“The the local volunteers need more air support as the fire is very inaccessible,” he said.

Mr Riordan said it would be a “big problem” if the “massive fire front” spread further east towards Lorne and Apollo Bay.

“It’s only 20 degrees or so but the issue is the wind,” he said.

His own home in Colac is also in the firing line, with a stay-informed warning alerted at 3.39pm.

Smoke from nearby fires drifted along the coast, reducing visibility and partially obscuring a surf camera positioned at Bells Beach.

At 5.20pm an emergency warning was issued for Barongarook, Barongarook West, Irrewillipe, Irrewillipe East and Tomahawk Creek instructing residents and visitors to leave immediately.

Earlier, at 4.47pm, the towns of Barongarook, Barongarook West, Barramunga, Barwon Downs, Beech Forest, Birregurra, Carlisle River, Colac East, Coram, Dinmont, Elliminyt, Ferguson, Forrest, Gellibrand, Gerangamete, Irrewarra, Kawarren, Murroon, Tanybryn, Upper Gellibrand, Warncoort, Wimba, Yeo, Yeodene were told to stay informed as the fire progresses towards them.

However, there is currently “no threat” to these communities.

View from Liberal Polwarth MP Richard Riordan’s home in Colac as the Great Otway fire burns. Picture: Supplied

4PM: Great Ocean Rd closed, relief fund established

40 kilometre stretch of the Great Ocean Rd has been closed in both directions amid fire impact.

The road is closed from Gambier St, Sylvester St and Apollo Bay to Colac- Lavers Hill Rd and Lavers Hill due to fire.

Access is only available for emergency services vehicles.

Residents in Cape Otway and Maits Rest are urged by authorities to leave immediately with a bushfire in Cape Otway not yet under control.

Meanwhile, VFF vice-president Peter Star has been on the ground leading a CFA strike team responding to the Walwa fire in Victoria’s northwest.

“I’ve seen firsthand the devastation these fires are causing to farming families across Victoria,” he said.

“Farmers have lost everything, from homes, sheds, fencing, livestock, and the fodder they need to keep their animals alive. The scale of what we’re dealing with is devastating and we’re still in the middle of it.

“To those who are in a position to help, please consider donating to the VFF Disaster Relief Fund. No matter how large or small, every single cent will help farmers get through these shocking bushfires.”

The funds raised will provide grants to farmers who have suffered loss, supporting the replacement of fencing, infrastructure, fodder and equipment, as well as meeting basic household needs.

Firefighters are battling two out-of-control blazes in Victoria’s Otways region. Picture: Wye River CFA

3PM: ‘Leave’ warning for Great Otway National Park

The entire Great Otway National Park, north of the Carlisle River area has been issued a leave immediately warning.

It comes as Carlisle River and Kennedys Creek were issued the same warning earlier today.

Those in Gellibrand, Irrewillipe and Kawarren are now also being told to leave immediately and head to Colac via Colac Lavers Hill.

Firefighters were unable to stop the fire, which is now moving northeast towards Irrewillipe East.

Residents should head towards Colac using Blackbridge and Carlisle roads.

White Peg Rd and East West Rd are both closed.

A 40km stretch of the Great Ocean Road has been closed in both directions amid fire impact.

The road is closed from Gambier St, Sylvester St and Apollo Bay to Colac-Lavers Hill Rd and Lavers Hill due to fire.

Access is only available for emergency services vehicles.

Residents in Cape Otway and Maits Rest are urged by authorities to leave immediately with a bushfire in Cape Otway not yet under control.

A devastated property in Harcourt. Picture: David Caird

2.30PM: Fire ban extended to Sunday

The statewide Total Fire Ban has been extended to include Sunday, January 11.

Despite “cooler conditions” no open-air fires are to be lit or allowed to remain alight until 11.59pm on Sunday, including barbecues and some power tools.

CFA Chief Jason Heffernan said the conditions are “extremely dynamic”.

“Conditions have eased but we have a long way to go to get the current fire situation under control,” he said.

“I appreciate that a TFB can have an impact on communities and business but be assured these restrictions are reviewed on a daily basis.

“This ensures we get the right balance between mitigation against new fires in the landscape and the needs of communities.”

Smoke fills the sky in Yarck Village. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Longwood fire wreaks havoc. Picture: Jason Edwards

12.15PM: Tens of thousands still without power

119,000 Powercor customers have had their power restored in the past 24 hours as crews worked overnight to repair “damaged infrastructure”.

4800 Powercor customers are still without power in the state’s north and west.

A spokesman said the Streatham, Harcourt, Natimuk, Yarroweyah and Carlisle River bushfires have damaged “electricity infrastructure”, which still cannot be accessed due to the safety risks.

They advised that more than 3000 customers in those affected regions may be without power “until early next week”.

“We are working with emergency authorities to safely access fire grounds and, where possible, we will conduct aerial drone inspections of the power network to allow us to assess the damage and plan repair work,” the spokesman said.

“We understand being without power during this challenging time is difficult and our teams are doing everything possible to safely get power back on.”

12.30PM: Three firefighters in hospital

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan confirmed that three firefighters had been taken to hospital after battling blazes across the state.

The first, confirmed on Friday, was a firefighter who is believed to have suffered third-degree burns to his hand.

He said another firefighter was hit in the face by a hose, while a firefighter from interstate, with a pre-existing health condition, experienced a medical episode that saw him airlifted from the fireground.

“I’d like to report that all three firefighters are doing just fine,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Over the last 24 hours, we’ve had senior officers visit, speak and spend time with these people.”

He also confirmed that a CFA tanker was destroyed by fire, but the crew managed to exit the vehicle safely.

Farmers and locals work to defend property near Yarck. Picture: Jason Edwards

‘Devastated’: Yarck locals return to ruin

Roughly 24 hours after the Longwood fire ripped through Yarck, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, smoke still lingered on Saturday.

Trees and buildings continued to smoulder in the hills surrounding the town as those who stayed begin to pick up the pieces.

Others, who left, were dealing with the devastating task of returning to what they had lost.

One of those, Emma Barlow, said her family home had been completely destroyed.

“Absolutely devastated is an understatement,” she said.

“I have just had friends send me pictures of what was my stunning family property.

“We are waiting for the OK to return to the property and try and comprehend what we do next.

“Obviously our family is heartbroken.”

The Longwood bushfire burns right through the Town of Yarck. Picture: Jason Edwards

The devastated town of Yarck. Picture: Jason Edwards
Emma wasn’t the only who remained out of town, confused and heartbroken over what had taken place.

“Now confirmed we’ve been demolished. Thank you everybody for the response,” Di Cameron wrote on her Facebook.

“Nobody local has informed us but we’ve heard from another source that our property at Yarck, houses and shedding etc has been completely burnt-out.

“Assuming that’s true I’m wondering if anybody checks on the livestock. I can’t bear to think of our sheep suffering and dying a slow painful death.”

Forest Fire Management vehicles could be seen in town along with the CFA crews, who were out checking properties and looking for fallen trees.

Large burnt-out trees are now posing the biggest danger, with loud cracks heard echoing across the town followed by massive bangs as big gums fell.

The bridge on Victoria Rd in Harcourt still alight on Saturday morning. Picture: David Caird

Large fires could burn ‘for weeks’

Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Daniel Sherwin-Simpson warned larger bushfires in Longwood and Walwa could “kick on for days, possibly even weeks,” despite cooler temperatures sweeping the state from Saturday.

“The wind change brought significant drops in temperature and also brought some higher humidity,” he told the Herald Sun on Saturday morning.

“With fires of this size, there is some level of unpredictability as they can create their own local gusts.”

“Even with easing weather conditions these fires could kick on for days, possibly even weeks.”

CFA volunteers black out hot spots around Harcourt. Picture: David Caird

Ray and Loretta Rice in front of their destroyed home on Coolstore Rd. Picture: David Caird

Scott Berry’s house was saved from the fire. Picture: David Caird

The road smoulders in Harcourt. Picture: David Caird

Fire tankers line up ready to be deployed around the town. Picture: David Caird
Temperatures in the state’s northeast were yet to see significant relief, with Albury-Wodonga only dropping to 25C overnight.

“We’re expecting them to get up into the 30s throughout today,” he said

The town of Corryong, which is under a “Take Shelter Now” instruction from the CFA, is expected to be hit with the highest temperatures in the state today.

“Unfortunately they’re forecast 35C today, humidity will be better, as the cool change only really moves through the valley, it’s still very dry air,” he said

Rain conditions are expected to move down the east coast into Victoria on Wednesday.

“Where that rainfall is most likely is parts of Gippsland,” he said

“It’s looking like most rainfall will stay south of the ranges unfortunately.”

He warned that these conditions would likely provide little relief to major bushfires in Longwood and Walwa.

“They might get a few millimetres here and there but you really need widespread double digit totals to help out with fires like this,” he said

“It’s not looking too positive in terms of any other significant rainfall in at least the next seven days ahead.”

Trees burn in Harcourt. Picture: David Caird

ADF to help support firefighters

Anthony Albanese announced that the Australian Defence Force would be in Victoria to help the CFA as they battle multiple fires.

Speaking on ABC News from the National Emergency Management Agency in Canberra, the Prime Minister said he had asked the ADF to provide support “both through personnel but also through infrastructure”.

“The ADF has been requested to provide accommodation for the Victorian Country Fire Service,” he said.

“I want to specifically send my thoughts to those Victorians who have had the devastating news that they’ve lost their homes over the last 24 hours.”

He said the federal minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain will travel to Victoria today “to lead the federal response”.

“The situation is far from over and a massive firefighting effort is under way as we speak,” he said.

“This is a time where Australians are once again showing that at the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character.”

Burnt trees block the road in Harcourt. Picture: David Caird

A Harcourt home is destroyed by fire. Picture: David Caird

Bill and Jennie McBride inspect the devastation on their property, but the house was saved. Picture: David Caird

Three missing Victorians found safe

Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that the three people unaccounted for had been found “safe and well”.

Initial reports suggested that a child was among the three, who had been missing since Thursday afternoon, but Commissioner Bush confirmed they were three adults.

“It’s taken some time for us to fully assure ourselves that those people are now safe and well located,” he said.

“They’ve been spoken to by CFA staff and by Victoria Police. They are in Benalla and we can confirm that they are safe and well.”

He also acknowledged the death of the man found in a vehicle in a paddock on his property in Harcourt on Friday night.

He confirmed that the death “doesn’t appear to be directly related to fire”, however the official cause of death is “very much a matter for the coroner”.

Bill McBride looks at what’s left of his boat. Picture: David Caird

Bushfire donation centre created

A Bushfire donation drop-off centre has been established at the Shepparton Showgrounds.

Donations will be accepted on Saturday from 3-8pm at the Multi-Purpose Pavilion and will go to the Salvation Army who will “coordinate the distribution” of donations to support residents in neighbouring areas.

Items such as non-perishable food items, pet food, toiletries and sanitary products will all be accepted.

Bedding, second-hand goods, clothing and furniture will not be accepted as donations.

The Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging residents to follow staff instructions “at all times to maintain safe traffic conditions”.

Access will be available via the Fryers St Extension at Gate 7.

12.45PM: Horsham warnings downgraded

While Natimuk and Quantong communities are experiencing “heartbreaking” structure losses caused by a rapidly moving fire, residents of Horsham will be relieved by downgraded warnings on Saturday morning.

The air remained slightly smoky in Horsham, however the ash that was settling over the town on Friday evening appeared to clear on Saturday morning.

Firefighters and other emergency services continued to fight the fire and assess hazardous trees, while a “watch and act” remained for some communities, and others have been downgraded to “stay informed”.

The Natimuk township on Friday afternoon. Picture: Facebook
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Brian Klowss posted a statement on Facebook confirming 90 per cent of his Natimuk farm was burnt in the fire, but his family was safe.

“My heart goes out to all those who have lost their homes in these devastating fires,” he wrote.

“The road to recovery will be challenging, but I have no doubt that our resilient community will come through this together.”

Emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch confirmed about 20 structures were lost in the Grass Flat fire, which also caused significant livestock and agricultural impacts.

It is understood the Natimuk Bowling Club was impacted by the fire.

Mr Klowss thanked CFA volunteers and emergency services who “worked tirelessly under horrific conditions”.

“My thoughts are with everyone who has lost property, livestock or any assets,” he wrote.

Volunteer firefighter Darren Walter said it was hard to describe what driving into Natimuk was like because crews were focused on what needed to be done.

“The fire behaviour was very unpredictable which was not surprising given the extreme conditions,” he said.

Fire rips through farmland at Natimuk township on Friday afternoon. Picture: Ben Walter
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said a member at the fire was hit in the face by a hose, assessed at Horsham hospital and later transferred to Melbourne for treatment.

Mr Heffernan said he was one of three firefighters injured or taken to hospital yesterday and all were “doing just fine”.

Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy also took to Facebook to thank firefighters.

“I’m so sorry for the people and families that have lost their homes, outbuildings, stock, fences and other property,” she wrote.

“This is heartbreaking, and the sense of loss can be overwhelming.

“Natimuk as a community is already banding together to support one another and rebuild.

Ms Kealy also confirmed she has spoken to the relevant Minister to secure funding to rebuild the Bowling Club.

— Abby Walters

Allan thanks firefighters for ‘courage’

Premier Jacinta Allan has praised firefighters who have worked through “smoke, heat, exhaustion and incredibly dangerous conditions” to keep Victorians safe.

Speaking at the Emergency Management Centre, the Premier called those who had been fighting the fires the “best of Victorians”.

“We thank them for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to keep our communities and people safe,” she said.

Sheep try to find something to eat in a scorched paddock in Harcourt. Picture: David Caird
Ms Allan announced that there would be “hardship payments” available but the priority is “providing immediate assistance for those told to leave immediately”.

“I can advise this morning that through the work of ministers Ward and McBain, the arrangements between state and Commonwealths have been activated to provide personal hardship payments to all fire affected communities,” she said.

“These will be made available to people through the Emergency Vic Hotline, relief centres and they are payments for immediate emergency assistance, clothes, food, medication.”

Ms Allan also urged Victorians to continue to “heed the warnings” from emergency services.

She accepted that leaving your home is “not easy” but many lives have been saved by doing so.

“My own community was told to leave, to evacuate, because of the fire coming to our area,” she said.

“I know how hard it is to leave your home, not knowing when or what you will return to. It has saved lives. Again, I thank Victorians for following that advice.”

Properties are burnt to the ground in Harcourt. Picture: David Caird

01:12

Devastation in Victoria: Man loses family home, all belongings in horror bushfire

Barry Murphy speaks with…
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Devastation in Harcourt

Barry Murphy returned to Harcourt on Saturday morning to find a smoking pile of rubble left in place of the home he had abandoned just hours earlier.

It was a house that his wife Wendy had lived in her whole life — one her family had owned for generations.

Racing against the clock to leave town before the fire swept through, Mr Murphy managed to escape with just the clothes on his back, some papers, and his computer.

Barry Murphy breaks down as he sits on the steps of his ruined home. Picture: David Caird

Mr Murphy takes in the devastation.
Belongings, such as his phone, clothes, tools, and boat were all destroyed in the inferno that razed his uninsured home.

Only his ute, which was parked away from the building, survived the flames, despite the heat melting the lights.

A shellshocked Mr Murphy said while he anticipated the fire, he didn’t think he would lose his house to it.

“You see smoke (but) you never expect this to happen,” he said.

“You take the basics and think you’ll come back tomorrow to pick everything up.”

In a cruel twist of fate, the neighbouring property — only metres away — was left untouched by the flames.

Mr Murphy said he was forced to make a hasty exit due to the speed of the fire.

“I got a phone call saying it’s coming and we had about 10 minutes.”

“It was massive, all you could see was smoke everywhere.”

It is unclear what is next for Mr Murphy and his wife, but he said he would not be rebuilding in Harcourt.

Mr Murphy’s Coolstore Rd home was among dozens of buildings razed to the ground in the town just southeast of Bendigo. The Harcourt Co-Operative, Harcourt Pine Centre, Coolstore cafe and a number of homes were also decimated.

CFA First Lieutenant Tyrone Rice left his house undefended to save others and lost everything. Picture: David Caird
Directly opposite Mr Murphy, former Harcourt CFA brigade captain Tyrone Rice has lost his home of more than 40 years.

The 64-year-old local, who is still volunteer firefighting after first joining the CFA at 16, spent his Friday fighting fires in Castlemaine before assisting with locating the blaze tearing through the valley.

Meanwhile, his wife and son were battling the blaze in Ravenswood South.

Their house burned while they selflessly gave up his time to keep others safe.

Now, Mr and Ms Rice have lost wedding rings, passports, photos, and memories.

“There’s a lot of history (in that house); not just ours,” he told the Herald Sun.

“It’s gone but we’re here; we live on.”

Mr Rice said he was equally devastated to see the landscape charred since his family had owned the same patch of Coolstore Rd for three generations.

Renee Blair, who also lost her home, hugs Mr Rice. Picture: David Caird
Being a CFA volunteer for nearly five decades, Mr Rice has seen shattered families lose everything before – but it still couldn’t prepare him for the emotional toll of seeing home turned to smouldering debris.

“It certainly gives you a lot of information but we haven’t experienced the process ahead of us now.”

“Yesterday, of course, was a catastrophic day and we know from history what that does.”

Tyrone’s brother Ray lives just up the hill, also on Coolstore Rd.

Ray and his wife Loretta shed tears after seeing they had lost their “forever home” this morning.

The elderly couple now face the daunting prospect of picking up the pieces of their life.

“You can rebuild houses; I’ve been broke before but 79 is a bit old to be starting again,” Mr Rice said.

“All our retirement has gone up in smoke.”

Mr Rice maintained an “Aussie sense of humour” while at the house, stating the “brickie did a good job” because the brick structure remained standing.

However, his eyes teared up as he smiled.

— Edward Russell

Harcourt residents return to find their homes burnt to the ground. Picture: David Caird

Burnt-out cars in Harcourt. Picture: David Caird

‘Didn’t grab enough stuff’: Evacuees tell of devastation

The evacuation centre at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre was still packed with residents from across the Longwood region on Saturday morning, while hotels across the town were also booked out by evacuees with nowhere else to go.

Longwood East resident Graham Dryden, 75, said he had come to the centre for answers about when he could return to his home, which he learned had burnt down when his daughter recognised a video of the ruins on ABC News.

“She had put her caravan there at Christmas and it was the only thing that didn’t burn down,” he said.

“We didn’t grab enough stuff when we left. I mean, we have insurance but it just won’t be enough.”

01:57

Fire Fighters defend township of Alexandra during Victoria Bushfire Emergency overnight

Fire Fighters defend…
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Mr Dryden said he now just wanted answers from authorities about when he and his wife could return and get closure.

“We’re staying with my son in Craigieburn, but I think it will be another week or so before we can go home.

“Our daughters are devastated, reality hasn’t sunk in for me yet but it’s starting to now.”

The retired father of three said he was also worried about neighbours and other members of the community whom he was unable to reach due to ongoing service disruptions.

“I tried ringing some of them but I just couldn’t get hold of them. Honestly, I think it’s for the best that we left because I was going to stay behind.

“I just hope my neighbours left, too.”

A woman defends her home in Alexandra. Picture: News Media Network

CFA Volunteers Group calls on Allan govt to ‘take responsibility’

Volunteer firefighters have called for the Allan government to “take responsibility” and take action as multiple out-of-control fires continue to ravage parts of the state.

The CFA Volunteers Group published a statement on Saturday morning saying Friday’s events were not “unpredictable”.

“The CFA Volunteers Group is deeply concerned that these outcomes are the result of long-term neglect and failure to invest in preparedness, rather than an unavoidable natural disaster,” it said.

“Warnings from volunteers on the ground about fuel management, equipment, fatigue and resourcing have been raised repeatedly over many years and continue to go unaddressed.”

The group said they warned the government earlier this week that the state was “not bushfire ready” and said the “emotional and physical toll” on volunteers is “significant”.

“The CFA Volunteers Group again calls on the Allan government to take responsibility and commit to meaningful, long-term investment in volunteer brigades … so communities are not left to relive days like yesterday.”

10.30AM: Take shelter warnings in Longwood

More townships are being told to take shelter in the Longwood region.

Those in Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kelvin View, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Strathbogie, Tarcombe, Terip Terip and Upton Hill have been told to take shelter immediately.

Ruffy has already been a scene of devastation, but on Thursday night remaining locals had a candlelight beer in the “last house in Ruffy” in heartwarming scenes.

Meanwhile in the state’s northeast, residents in Granya, Bungil, Burrowye, Walwa and surrounds should leave immediately.

Residents should make their way to the relief centre at Wodonga Racecourse as soon as possible.

10.15AM: Walwa residents told to leave immediately

More residents have been told to leave immediately in the Walwa area.

Those in Tallangatta Valley, Bullioh and surrounds should leave now.

For people in Beetoomba, Berringama and Lucyvale, it is too late to leave and you should take shelter immediately.

The hills burn red from the Alexandra bushfire. Picture: Dr Lachlan Fraser

CFA groups say the fires were not unpredictable as they urge the Allan government to ‘take responsibility’. Picture: News Media Network

9.45AM: Warnings for Walwa area

As the bushfire in Walwa near Albury-Wodonga still rages out of control, residents in Mitta Valley including Tallandoon, Eskdale, Mitta Mitta, Dartmouth and surrounds are being told to leave immediately.

The bushfire is moving south and residents are being told to go to Wodonga using the Omeo Highway to Lockharts Gap Rd.

Additionally, those in Colac Colac, Nariel Valley and surrounds, Darbyshire, Koetong and Shelley have all been told to take shelter immediately.

The Longwood fire burns out of control. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Allan government has declared a ‘state of disaster’. Picture: News Media Network

12.30AM: State of disaster declared

Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a “state of disaster” for 18 local government areas and one Alpine Resort.

It will be in place until February 8.

The Premier is satisfied there is an emergency that constitutes, or is likely to constitute, a significant and widespread danger to life or property in the following parts of Victoria:

• Alpine Shire

• Ararat Rural City

• Colac Otway Shire

• Corangamite Shire

• East Gippsland Shire

• Golden Plains Shire

• Greater Bendigo City

• Horsham Rural City

• Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated)

• Mansfield Shire

• Mildura Rural City

• Mitchell Shire

• Moira Shire

• Mount Alexander Shire

• Murrindindi Shire

• Pyrenees Shire

• Strathbogie Shire

• Towong Shire

• Wellington Shire

In a statement, the Premier said: “This declaration gives our authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger.”

“Tonight, we have reached that level of danger,” Ms Allan added.

“This does not change specific advice currently in place for anyone in fire-affected areas.

“But it sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must.

“The declaration allows authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible.

“It ensures that every part of government – every department, every agency, every authority – is focused on one priority: protecting life.

“It also means that if someone insists on staying in an area where their life is in danger, authorities have the power to force them to leave. These fires are widespread, fast-moving and devastating.”

A State of Disaster:

• May be declared to exist in the whole, or parts, of Victoria.

• Exists immediately upon the making of the declaration and remains in force until February 8, 2026.

• Can be revoked or varied by the Premier at any time.

Ross outs out a spot fire near Yarck. Picture: Jason Edwards

‘Dynamic’ Longwood fire burns out of control

On Friday night, the largest fire, which started in Longwood, was advancing towards the towns of Euroa, Marysville and Yea.

The State Control Centre warned the “dynamic” blaze could travel in many different directions, tripling in size in a “worst-case scenario”.

Residents in Alexandra, Lake Eildon and several other holiday hotspots were urged to take shelter and not try to evacuate.

00:23

Smythesdale CFA truck heads to Skipton

A Smythesdale CFA unit…
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Bushfire smoke fills the sky over Alexandra. Picture: Facebook
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill said officers had door knocked local communities in Longwood East on Thursday morning to advise them to evacuate, but when they returned to one site they saw a house destroyed and the man, woman and child there were nowhere to be found.

As of 3pm Friday, Premier Jacinta Allan said they were still missing.

“I absolutely understand the people being very keen to know what the situation is for those three people who at this stage remain unaccounted for,” Ms Allan said.

“It’s just such a difficult day and to have people unaccounted for makes it even tougher.”

The control centre said the fire conditions were “the worst across Victoria since Black Summer in 2019-20” with wind changes sending firefighters scrabbling to control several blazes.

The out-of-control Longwood fire. Picture: Jason Edwards
Driven by the heat, a dry fuel load, and high winds, the Longwood fire marched south, prompting evacuation warnings and then “shelter in place” instructions.

The warnings had stretched as far south as Marysville by 5.30pm Friday, a town left devastated by the 2009 Black Saturday fires.

Meanwhile, Eildon holiday-makers took cover on houseboats as they were warned it was “too late to leave”.

Several residents evacuated on Thursday night from the small town of Ruffy woke on Friday morning to news their homes had been destroyed.

Many others in the Longwood, Yarck and Ruffy area were bravely fighting back flames from their properties throughout on Friday.

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Social media ablaze: Bushfire-affected Victorians show firsthand what it’s like on the frontlines

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A bushfire rages near Yarck. Picture: Jason Edwards
Longwood resident Wendy Parsons, 71, said she had “lost everything” after the fire destroyed home she had lived in for 43-years.

“I’ve lost everything,” she said.

“It’s just a pile of rubble, the house, the stables, everything.

“All the photos are gone, everything is gone.”

Euroa Nationals MP Annabelle Cleeland said the community had been “forever changed”.

“With an estimated 15 homes that are lost, the school lost, the general store, the cafe, it’s a community that has changed overnight,” she said.

Communities remain under threat from the Longwood fire. Picture: Jason Edwards
Another fire in Walwa, on the eastern border between Victoria and New South Wales has covered nearly 25,000ha and many neighbouring towns have been told to evacuate.

Further fires rapidly lit on Friday afternoon, with many sparked by dry lightning.

One blaze in Skipton was moving east and approaching Ballarat, blanketed in smoke.

A Natimuk fire rapidly stretched east prompting the evacuation of Horsham.

More fires emerged in Yarroweyah in the far north of Victoria, Wonnangatta within the Alpine National Park and Ravenswood South near Bendigo.

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Blistering winds fuel the inferno as heroic frontliners fight on into the evening

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Bushfires burn near Harcourt. Picture: David Caird
Statewide there were more than 60 warnings and 400-plus incidents active on Friday evening.

Emergency services chiefs warned that an inclement cold front would bring little respite.

David Nugent, from the control centre, warned Victorians not to feel “that everything is okay” as the cool weather brought “potential storm activity”.

“Unfortunately the thing that also is associated with that change is potential storm activity and with those storms we may see additional lightning which with the conditions that we have today being really hot it’s unlikely that we will get any significant rain with those storms,” Mr Nugent said.

“And we have the potential for more lightning, and that dry lightning, when it hits the ground, will often generate new fires. And so that’s a really difficult situation as we watch this weather system come across the state.”

The out-of-control Longwood bushfire. Picture: Jason Edwards
Almost 100,000 Victorian homes and businesses were left without power on Friday evening.

AusNet reported roughly 44,800 customers were affected in its grid across the state’s east, while Powercor reported more than 50,000 customers had been cut off by outages across its grid in Victoria’s west.

Relief grants were set to be offered to Victorians affected by the fires, with adults eligible for $680, and children for $340, up to a maximum of $2380 per eligible family.

Victorians are still being urged to pay attention to emergency warnings and to act quickly.