Victoria Bushfires LIVE: 36 fires rage as State of Disaster declared; Family missing and homes razed
Premier Jacinta Allan and Fire Chief Provide Update on Victorian Bushfires
Premier Jacinta Allan is set to address the media shortly after 10:40 am from the State Control Centre. She will be joined by key officials: Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward, Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, and Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman.
You can watch the press conference live here.
Emergency Response and Support
Hundreds of emergency services personnel and military forces have been authorized to assist in firefighting efforts. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain has allocated space for emergency vehicles and access to catering facilities in the Albury-Wodonga military area. McBain also confirmed that affected individuals will receive emergency disaster recovery funding, including one-time payments of up to $2380 per family to cover essential expenses.
Fire Situation
There are currently 10 major fire fronts burning across Victoria, with over 300,000 hectares already affected. Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the ongoing emergency, with 19 active emergency warnings and 16 watch and act advice notifications in place. These warnings are particularly relevant for the fires at Walwa, Longwood, and Ravenswood.
Power Outages
Approximately 38,000 households and businesses remain without power. In the state's east, over 27,700 properties are affected, including those in Longwood and Walwa. Powercor and CitiPower have reported outages affecting over 4800 customers in Victoria's west and the Melbourne CBD, with fires in Skipton and Meredith.
Community Impact
Premier Allan praised the actions of locals who heeded the warnings and evacuated. Unfortunately, a man in his 60s was found dead in his car in the Harcourt community, and a family of three was located safe after being missing in the Longwood fires. The community of Harcourt is grieving the loss.
Federal Support
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Australian Defence Force's involvement, providing firefighting support and accommodation for firefighters. The ADF will assist the CFA in battling the 36 active bushfires across the state.
Weather Conditions
Gentle rain in Mansfield provided temporary relief, but the rain stopped shortly after. The focus has shifted to the Otways near the Great Ocean Road, where winds are expected to be stronger than on Friday, causing concern for the Surf Coast.
Firefronts and Warnings
There are 36 active fire fronts, and 19 emergency warnings remain in place, forcing evacuations in windy conditions. Premier Allan emphasized the ongoing danger and the need for community cooperation.
