Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest


More than a hundred structures have been lost and at least 300,000 hectares razed by multiple fires burning throughout Victoria.
A state of emergency was declared in 20 local government areas on Saturday, with fire-fighting efforts concentrated on the fiercest blazes, including one in the state’s centre and another in the northeast.
Three people feared missing were located, with the trio unaccounted for since Thursday after fire destroyed their house in the hard-hit town of Longwood, about 50km north of Melbourne.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said an early estimate that 115 structures had gone up in flames was expected to climb.

The recent fires have left a significant impact across several areas, with the destruction tallying up to 50 structures in Ravenswood-Harcourt, 30 in Longwood, 20 in Grass Flat, 10 in Yarroweyah, and five in Streatham.

Significant losses of livestock, cropping land and vineyards have occurred at most of the locations listed.
“We’ve also seen impacts to critical infrastructure, in particular the Bendigo railway line that has been impacted by fire and is now closed,” Mr Wiebusch said.

Peter Cookson, the captain of the Little Yarra Country Fire Authority, shared his harrowing account of battling the flames on Friday night in the regional town of Yarck.

He confirmed that the fires resulted in the loss of several homes in this small community.

“All hell broke loose”, he said, with conditions intensifying to the point that his unit was forced to withdraw due to the danger.
“It just got so intense, we all had to get out of there,” he said.
As he left the burning town, images of the hills and properties ablaze stayed with him.
“It was very confronting,” Mr Cookson said.
“One of my last visions were the homeowners in their utes out in their paddocks, driving around with their big water tanks.”
“We couldn’t tell them what to do, it’s their property. It’s up to them whether they stay and we can’t force them to leave.”
“But that does sit in my mind.”

“It’s crucial to understand how the increased fire risk will affect you and to ensure your fire plan is comprehensive, covering all possible scenarios,” he advised.

Long way to go
There were 14 relief centres open across Victoria on Saturday, host to shocked families who had lost their homes or were waiting to hear more.
Emotional locals attended a community meeting in Castlemaine, just outside Harcourt on Saturday, where they were given updates on the raging fire.
Victoria was under a total fire ban on Saturday that was set to stay in place on Sunday.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said conditions had eased but there was a long way to go before fires were brought under control.

“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies,” he said.

Authorities confirmed a firefighter had been hospitalised with third-degree burns to his hands and a volunteer needed hospital treatment after being hit in the face by a hose.
An interstate firefighter also suffered a medical episode and was airlifted to Melbourne.
All three were recovering from their injuries.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like
Ozempic wants more Aussies on weight-loss drug cheaply. Doctors disagree

Ozempic Seeks Broader Access to Affordable Weight-Loss Medication for Australians, Facing Resistance from Medical Professionals

Medical professionals are expressing concern over a Danish company’s proposal to make…

From Punk Roots to Oscar Buzz: ‘Sentimental Value’ Director’s Unconventional Journey

Long before Joachim Trier ascended to the ranks of Academy Award winners,…
Premier Chris Minns tried to soothe the concerns of industry leaders as the petrol crisis grows.

NSW Government Engages with Industry Leaders Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has assured residents that the state…
Baby's finger tip 'severed' at Queensland early childhood centre

Tragic Incident: Baby’s Fingertip Severed at Queensland Early Childhood Centre Sparks Safety Concerns

An investigation is underway after a child’s finger tip was reportedly severed…
Petrol prices showing BP petrol station in Clovelly 16th March 2026.

Urgent Talks with Top Fuel Giants: Solutions to the Ongoing Petrol Crisis Unveiled!

Australia’s consumer watchdog insists it will keep a close eye on fuel…

New Alert Issued on Hazardous Financial Guidance Aimed at Young Australians

In brief Nearly two out of three respondents said they had logged…
Heavily-armed police in camoflage gear attended the scene.

Woman Confronted at Gunpoint in Sydney Parking Lot

Police have swarmed a street in Sydney‘s west after a woman was…
Father-of-two Blair Campbell (pictured with wife Tina), 35, died after he accidentally hit a substation wire covered in ivy in October 2022

Tragic Loss: Widow Sues Energy Firm After Husband Fatally Electrocuted by Hidden Substation Wire

The widow of a gardener who tragically lost his life due to…

Controversy Arises as Taiwanese Indigenous Dance Performance Temporarily Halted at Women’s Asian Cup: Political Claims Surface

In Brief The Women’s Asian Cup has been accused of trying to…

Exploring the Mental Health Effects of Following the Middle East Conflict

The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East is intensifying, with significant developments…
Kyle and Jackie O's station slapped down by media watchdog

Media Watchdog Takes Action Against Kyle and Jackie O’s Radio Station

The radio network behind The Kyle and Jackie O Show will have…
Dubai airport shut as Iran hits Gulf neighbours, keeps stranglehold on oil shipping

Dubai Airport Temporarily Closed Amid Regional Tensions and Oil Shipping Challenges

The early hours of Monday in Beirut were marked by a series…