Live: Fight to contain deadly Victorian blazes rages on with 300 buildings lost
SOURCE:ABC Australia|BY:Rudi Maxwell and Melissa Brown
Firefighters continue to battle fires across the state after the grim news that a person had been found dead and at least 390,000 hectares burnt. Follow live.
Victorian fire authorities continue to battle uncontrolled blazes across the state, with at least 390,000 hectares burnt so far.
One person was killed in the Longwood fire, near the central Victorian town of Seymour, police confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
Stay up to date with our rolling live coverage here.
Key Events
21 minutes agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 11:35pm
49 minutes agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 11:06pm
1 hours agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 10:24pm
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4h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 7:42pm
Stay updated with the latest warnings from emergency services
By Annabel Bowles
In an emergency, the ABC will broadcast regular warnings on ABC Radio.
We've just heard from my colleague Stephanie Ferrier on the ground in Longwood.
She said authorities believe up to 400,000 hectares of land has been burnt.
"You can see the blackened, scorched earth behind me, which means that it's not just homes, it's also livelihoods and that critical fodder that is now no longer here," she said.
Stephanie Ferrier reporting from Longwood. (ABC News)
Key Event
21m agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 11:35pm
Fire burns through new home in Harcourt
By Melissa Brown
Ben Lawrence and his family were moving their last load of furniture and possessions into their new home in Harcourt on Friday.
The next day, the bushfire burnt through the town, .
Ben has told ABC Local Radio the family is safe but it's been a confronting time.
"We got in there yesterday just have a look and that was ... yeah, there's nothing left," he says.
"30 years of car collection and everything we own is gone."
He says they bought their home in Harcourt after renting in Melbourne because they were looking for a new life.
"We'll just take it a day at a time and try to organise basic life things like clothes, medicine, things like that that we don't have anymore."
36m agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 11:20pm
Winds expected to ease, meteorologist says
By Daniela Pizzirani
We've heard from senior meteorologist Dean Narramore with the Bureau of Meteorology on what to expect over the coming days.
He says the main threat with fire is wind.
"The winds today are going to be fairly light in comparison to what Victoria has experienced over the last few days," he saysd.
"We may see those winds pick back up as we move through the week."
You can stay up to date on the latest weather warnings here.
Key Event
49m agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 11:06pm
Fire threat not over, premier says
By Melissa Brown
While today's conditions across Victoria are more favourable for firefighting, many fires still burn out of control.
There are three Emergency warnings for two fires — the Walwa fire on the border in the state's north-east and a fire in the Otways in the south-west.
Premier Jacinta Allan says the danger has not passed.
"Every day presents a risk with heat and wind conditions.
"In the north, it will continue to be a hot day and so it's a reminder for the local communities to not just monitor local conditions, but stay tuned to local radio, to monitor the VicEmergency app."
1h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 10:53pm
More on the regional rail damage in Victoria
By Melissa Brown
We've known about a rail bridge being destroyed by the Longwood fire, cutting V/Line train services on the Bendigo line.
But we've also now found out about damage to 5.7km of track between Ravenswood and Castlemaine.
It's also affecting services on the Echuca and Swan Hilllines.
On Bendigo line, V/Line says a limited number of bus replacements will run between Castlemaine and Sunbury, with passengers then able to board a Metro Trains service to get to and from the city.
But buses are unable to get Bendigo passengers to Castlemaine today because of uncertainty over the road conditions as well as bus driver availability.
V/Line says buses will not be available for Echuca services.
For Swan Hill passengers, a limited number of replacement buses will run between Swan Hill and Southern Cross, stopping at Kerang and Pyramid only then running express to Southern Cross.
"One of the challenges we're faced with is a number of our drivers and staff live in the areas that are impacted, so having safe passage for them to be able to get to work and ensuring their properties, their families, they're neighbours are also safe … is our priority," V/Line's chief operating officer Sussanah Osborne has told ABC Radio.
1h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 10:40pm
NT crews supporting firefighters in Victoria
By Gemma Ferguson
Just after midnight, a group of 34 — a mix of volunteer, auxiliary and career firefighters — flew out of Darwin.
The Territorians are down south for at least a week, bolstering boots on the ground and supporting emergency efforts in Victoria.
Commissioner Andrew Warton says the NT is proud to be helping out down south. (Supplied: NT government)
Speaking on ABC Darwin local radio this morning, Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Warton says "we were ready" to take the interstate call for help.
"It was a really quick deployment, credit to all of those who work behind the scenes," he says.
"It's a seven-day turnaround for this deployment, and then we'll be looking at subsequent deployments if required."
There's a total fire ban across the Barkly South region today, but the commissioner says he's "absolutely confident" the NT has enough resources to cover local fire risk.
"We're proud that we're sending highly skilled Territorians down south," he says.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro says the group includes 16 personnel from Bushfires NT and 18 members from NT Fire and Rescue Service. (Supplied: NT government)
Key Event
1h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 10:24pm
Local produce losses in Harcourt 'heartbreaking', mayor says
By Melissa Brown
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon escorted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan through the devastated town of Harcourt yesterday.
Heydon told ABC Radio Melbourne the destruction to homes, businesses and farms was heartbreaking.
Businesses in Harcourt have been devastated by fire. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
"There was some good fortune — the primary school was OK, the BP [service station] was OK, the general store was OK.
"But three really important businesses were completely gutted, one of them being the coolstore.
"Harcourt was really well known, and still is, as an apple growing centre, probably more well known today for its secondary industry in terms of cider and juices and so on.
"The coolstore is an essential part of that infrastructure."
He says local craft breweries as well as sparkling wine and other beverage producers have also lost stock that was stored there.
Beverage producers have lost stock. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Heydon says a railway bridge has been destroyed, so regional V/Line services will be disrupted for some time.
He describes the speed of the grassfire as "astonishing".
Harcourt is well known for its beverage production, which has been devastated by fires. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
A recovery centre will open at the Castlemaine Town Hall from 11am to 6pm each day this week to offer help with accessing insurance, government assistance and other services.
1h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 10:19pm
Authorities warn residents of 'changing conditions'
By Daniela Pizzirani
A Watch and Act message has been issued for Bethanga, Georges Creek, Jarvis Creek, Noorongong, Old Tallangatta, Tallangatta and surrounds.
"There is a bushfire 25Km West Of Walwa that is not yet under control," Emergency Victoria said.
"Firefighters have not been able to stop the fire."
Authorities have warned that the situation could change at any time.
You can stay up to date on the latest emergency warnings here.
Key Event
1h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 10:05pm
Emergency warning for Irrewillipe
By Daniela Pizzirani
An Emergency warning has been issued for Irrewillipe, in south-west Victoria.
"There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is out of control," Emergency Victoria said.
"The bushfire is travelling from Pipeline Road, Carlisle River in a north-westerly direction towards Bungador.
"This fire is threatening homes and lives."
Authorities say it is too late to leave the area safely, and warn residents to take shelter.
A total fire ban has been declared for North Central and North East districts of Victoria.
"No fires can be lit, or be allowed to remain alight, in the open air from 12:01 AM until 11:59 PM in these districts," Emergency Victoria said.
2h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 9:49pm
Long road to recovery in Natimuk
By Melissa Brown
In Victoria's west, Natimuk lost 15 structures to a fast-moving grassfire on Friday.
Natimuk is home to about 500 people and is about 25 kilometres west of Horsham.
A Watch and Act remains for the fire.
Authorities say the fire in the Natimuk, Quantong and Vectis area is now contained but residents should watch out for dangerous trees and electrical hazards.
Horsham Deputy Mayor Bec Sluggett evacuated her teenage children on Friday morning but she and her husband returned to Pimpinio to fight the fire with the local CFA.
She says the fire came within 6km of her property before the winds eased enough to get aerial waterbombers into the air and slow its spread.
"Honestly, it's been really hard and I think at some point in the near future there'll be a call for a cup of tea and a few tears," she's told the RN Breakfast radio program.
"It's been a really difficult time for our community."
A recovery hub will open in the main street of Natimuk today and Sluggett says it will remain open for as long as it's needed.
She says it'll be a long road to recovery.
"You end up with a new normal. Things don't go back to how they were pre-fire."
Key Event
2h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 9:43pm
Emergency services minister outlines latest damages
By Melissa Brown
Victoria’s Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward says the latest damage assessment sits at 300 structures being lost.
“We’re looking at probably 100 homes overall if not more being lost,” she told RN Breakfast.
Vicki Ward has described reports of sightseers travelling into fire affected areas as "outrageous". (AAP: Diego Fedele)
She says there is no new information she can share about the discovery of a body in the Longwood fire in central Victoria.
At 8am, power was still out to just under 4,000 properties, mostly in the state’s west.
She describes reports of sightseers travelling into fire-affected areas as "outrageous".
"I cannot fathom how somebody would think it's OK to go and be a witness to this horrible tragedy that's occurred to so many people.
"Just keep out. Please respect what these people have gone through.
"To go in there and see this as an opportunity to have a sticky beak, it's just wrong. It's despicable behaviour."
2h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 9:28pm
Assistance being offered to those who've lost property
By Melissa Brown
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says "many, many" homes have been lost.
She says more than 150 structures have been lost around the Longwood fire, with "a good many" of those being houses.
She says hundreds of personal hardship payments have been made so far for people who need clothing, food and medication.
Funding has also been offered for replacement fencing and fodder to help farmers feed their livestock.
Yesterday, Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid a visit to Bendigo and unveiled a $19.5 million support package for Victorians affected by the state's bushfire emergency.
2h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 9:14pm
Person dies in Longwood fire
By Melissa Brown
Yesterday, authorities announced a person had been found dead near the town of Seymour in central Victoria.
The remains were discovered about 100 metres from a vehicle off Yarck Road in Gobur.
The location is in the area affected by the Longwood bushfire.
The person is yet to be formally identified.
Key Event
2h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 9:05pm
Local tells of his lucky escape from Longwood
By Melissa Brown
Harrowing tales continue to emerge out of the Longwood fire.
Warrick O'Donnell lives a few kilometres from Longwood East and lost all his tools and equipment in the shed.
He told ABC News Breakfast he saw smoke coming over the hill and, by the time he'd packed some belongings in the car and grabbed some more clothing, the fire was at his house.
"I pretty much had to jump out the window to get to the car before the fire hit the car," he said.
"I got in the car and started it and a fireball just hit me."
He said he wasn't sure his car would make it through the fire and was lucky to make it out uninjured, with flames coming into the vehicle through his open window.
"It just turned into like a cocoon, it was just orange, yellow, red and blinding … couldn't see a thing."
Longwood resident Warrick O'Donnell says he's lucky to have made it through the fire uninjured. (ABC News Breakfast)
He said he lost many of the things he'd packed in his trailer as he didn't have time to shut the back.
He believes sprinklers on his home helped save it.
He's not sure how the community will cope with the property losses, death of livestock and authorities confirming the discovery of a body in the area.
3h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 8:55pm
📷 In pictures: Homes razed in Harcourt
By Annabel Bowles
The apple-growing region of Harcourt in central Victoria has been one of the hardest hit in the state's bushfires.
Three local businesses and 47 homes have been razed.
These photos from the ABC's Danielle Bonica capture the sheer devastation in the town.
Sam Upton in front of what was her warehouse. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Several cars were destroyed in the bushfire in Harcourt. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
David Jeffries says he has "lost everything" in the bushfire. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Fire crews are still working to extinguish embers in Harcourt. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Key Event
3h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 8:42pm
Victorian premier speaks to the ABC
By Melissa Brown
Yesterday, authorities confirmed a body had been found near a vehicle in an area of central Victoria burnt out by the Longwood fire.
Premier Jacinta Allan has spoken to ABC News Breakfast this morning and has described the death as a "tragic loss".
"My thoughts are with the person's family, their community and also everyone - this loss reverberates across all of the firegrounds across Victoria."
Jacinta Allan has paid her respects to the person who died in a fire yesterday. (ABC News Breakfast)
Allan says the person's identity still hasn't been released.
"We'd gone through a number of days when we hadn't seen a loss of life so this does hit hard," she said.
"It is another really tragic reminder of just how dangerous and deadly these fires are."
Key Event
3h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 8:26pm
BOM forecasts lighter winds and cooler conditions
By Rudi Maxwell
The forecast for Victoria is for lighter winds, which should help firefighters.
Dean Narramore from the Bureau of Meteorology says the Victorian forecast is for cooler temperatures and lighter winds.
"Pretty fresh this morning ... going to see a sunny day but lighter winds is the main story," he told ABC News Breakfast.
"Could see directions from southerlies and easterlies, but all light.
"That's going to continue on Tuesday as well, so hopefully that will help firefighters get the upper hand on fires.
"We could see those winds pick up a little bit from the south or south-east as we get to mid to later this week."
3h agoSun 11 Jan 2026 at 8:18pm
Fire reduces some homes to rubble, leaves other properties untouched in Harcourt
By Melissa Brown
The CFA has escorted ABC reporter Oliver Gordon through the town of Harcourt in central Victoria.
Up to 50 homes and businesses have been destroyed by the Longwood fire.
Oliver Gordon (ABC News Breakfast)
He's told ABC News Breakfast the fire seemed to have been indiscriminate in its destruction.
"We've seen some quite devastating and also quite bizarre scenes," he says.
"For example, the football field and the cricket field are in perfect condition. You could almost play a game of cricket on it this morning but then just across the road ... you see a house reduced to nothing more than a chimney and a letterbox."
He says unstable burnt trees make Harcourt too dangerous for locals to return.
Here are some photos that the ABC's Josie Taylor took inside Harcourt.
