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AUSTRALIA is facing “extreme and dangerous” weather conditions as a major bushfire emergency grips the southeastern state of Victoria, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday, with dozens of fires burning out of control, homes destroyed and residents forced to flee.
Reuters reported on Saturday that over 50 bushfires were burning across Victoria on Saturday morning local time, many at the highest danger rating, while three people remained missing, authorities said.
The fires erupted during a heatwave and have been intensified by strong winds, prompting officials to warn that the situation is the most severe the state has faced since the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019–2020.
“Australians across the country are facing extreme and dangerous weather conditions with bushfires burning in multiple states but particularly Victoria,” Albanese said in televised remarks from Canberra.
“My thoughts are with Australians in these regional communities at this very difficult time,” he said.
The Victorian government declared a disaster in 18 areas overnight, as the scale of the emergency became clear. Albanese said the Australian Defence Force had been asked to assist by providing accommodation support for firefighters deployed in the state.
The largest blaze, near the town of Longwood about 112 kilometres north of Melbourne, has burned through about 35,000 hectares of bushland. Authorities said the fire had destroyed multiple homes, a community centre and a telephone exchange.
Dozens of communities in fire-affected areas have been evacuated, while many national parks and campgrounds across Victoria have been closed as a precaution.
The national weather forecaster issued heatwave warnings for large parts of Victoria on Saturday, with severe fire weather warnings also in effect for neighbouring New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, raising concerns that the crisis could spread further. - January 10, 2026