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Firefighters continue to battle more than 20 active bushfires burning across the state, with nearly 400,000 hectares of land now blackened and hundreds of structures lost.
There are 27 fires burning in Victoria – including massive blazes at Walwa and in the Otway Ranges, both still at an emergency level – with the number of hectares burnt now at 395,100. More than 300 structures and countless livestock have been lost. Of the remaining fires, several could burn for weeks, a State Control Centre spokeswoman said.
Tyrone and Raewyn Rice, and their son Nathan -- all senior members of the town’s CFA -- spent the night fighting the Harcourt blaze.Credit: Jason South
The Longwood fire was downgraded to watch and act level late on Sunday afternoon. Residents of Yarck, Ruffy, Longwood and surrounds were urged to cut travel in the fire-affected area.
In the Ravenswood fire, 47 homes and three business structures have been lost. More than 150 structures have burnt in the Longwood fire, along with vineyards destroyed, and countless livestock killed.
In Natimuk, where the grass fire has now been contained, 30 homes and 40 sheds have been razed. Another 12 structures, as well as grazing and cropping land, have burnt in Yarroweyah, and more than 25 buildings have been lost in Streatham.
In Walwa, near the NSW border, a large fire is still burning uncontrolled after ripping down a 10,000 hectare pine plantation, as well as four more structures.
Longwood bushfire turns fatal
The fires have also claimed one life, with police confirming on Sunday that a body had been found in the Longwood fire grounds. The person, who was found 100 metres from a vehicle on Yarck Road, Gobur, is yet to be formally identified.
On Sunday afternoon, forensic officers dressed in white overalls and wearing face masks could be seen inspecting the edge of the tarmac near a bend. Officers later covered the scene with a blue tarp, before a white coroner’s van made its way towards the scene after 5.40pm.
A body was discovered on a forested stretch of road 15 minutes from Yarck. It is believed the person ran off the road and perished beside about 100 meters from the car. Credit: Jason South
The Bureau of Meteorology on Sunday cancelled heatwave warnings across the state after days of 40-plus-degree heat, but in two major fire zones, temperatures are still due to reach the low to mid-30s on Monday - 35 degrees in Walwa near the NSW border, and 32 degrees in Longwood.
Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, the South West and Wimmera continue to experience poor air quality, while it is very poor in the Mallee, Northern Country, North East, and West and South Gippsland.
A total fire ban remains in place for the North East and North Central districts today. There is a high fire danger rating in the Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, North East and South West districts.
Current warnings are in place for residents around the Walwa fire, with those in Bungil, Burrowye and Granya urged to leave immediately. Authorities warn it’s now too late to leave for residents in Berringama, Bullioh, Koetong, Lucyvale, Shelley, Tallangatta Valley and surrounds. They have been urged to take shelter.
Firefighters at the edge of the Otways bushfire. Credit: Belmont Fire Brigade
Residents in Bethanga, Georges Creek, Jarvis Creek, Noorongong, Old Tallangatta, Tallangatta and surrounds have been told to monitor conditions and be ready to act if the situation worsens.
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A fire in the Otways, near Colac, is threatening lives in the Carlisle River area. Residents in Irrewillipe told to take urgent shelter. Those in surrounding areas are warned to monitor changing conditions.
Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan announced an additional $19.5 million in funding for fire-affected communities, on top of the personal hardship grants announced on Friday.
About half of the extra funding will help distribute hay to farmers in need, while the rest will go to initiatives like emergency accommodation and mental health support.
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