In a tragic development amidst the relentless Longwood bushfire, authorities have discovered human remains in the affected zone. These remains were located approximately 100 meters from a vehicle, though the identity of the individual has yet to be determined.

Efforts are underway to formally identify the deceased, and police have initiated procedures to prepare a detailed report for the Coroner’s review. This somber discovery adds to the challenges faced by emergency services as they battle the blaze.

The bushfire continues to burn fiercely in the southeast region of Bendigo, a location nearly two hours’ drive from Melbourne, complicating firefighting efforts and heightening concerns for the safety of residents and responders alike.

The person is yet to be formally identified.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

It’s burning south east of Bendigo, almost two hours from Melbourne.

Multiple people have lost their homes.

On Saturday Victoria Police confirmed the safety of three formerly “unaccounted for” people missing after their home was destroyed in the same fire.

Three fires are burning at emergency-level in the state: the catastrophic Longwood fire in central Victoria, the fire in Walwa in the state’s north-east and a fire in the Carlisle River in the Otways around the Great Ocean Road.

Dozens of people have lost their homes, with about 300 structures destroyed, and cattle and wildlife have been killed and injured, including at an animal sanctuary.

Thousands of firefighters are battling the bushfires after overnight winds worsened conditions across the state.