Victoria Bushfires LIVE: 36 fires rage as State of Disaster declared; Family missing and homes razed
Premier Jacinta Allan and Fire Chief Provide Update on Victorian Bushfires
Premier Jacinta Allan is set to address the media shortly after 10:40 am from the State Control Centre, accompanied by key officials.
The press conference will feature Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward, Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, and Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman.
Tune in to the live broadcast of the press conference below.
Emergency Response and Support
Hundreds of emergency services personnel and military personnel have been authorized to assist in the fires.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain has approved a request for emergency service personnel to be accommodated in the Albury-Wodonga military area, providing essential staging and parking for vehicles, as well as catering facilities for respite.
Affectees of the bushfires will have access to emergency disaster recovery funding, including emergency relief for community members and those who have evacuated their homes, with one-off payments up to $2380 per family to cover immediate essential expenses.
Victorians can seek assistance at relief centers or via the VicEmergency hotline.
The federal government has mobilized aircraft to support firefighting efforts, and the National Emergency Management stockpile is ready for activation, with the National Emergency Management Agency embedded in the State Control Centre.
Fire Impact and Statistics
Premier Jacinta Allan reports that 10 major fire fronts are burning across Victoria, with over 300,000 hectares already affected.
There are currently 19 emergency warnings and 16 watch and act advice notifications in place, primarily around the fires at Walwa, Longwood, and Ravenswood.
Firefighters from various agencies have been tirelessly battling the fires day and night, with approximately 38,000 households and businesses still without power.
Community Resilience and Grief
Premier Allan praised the actions of locals who heeded the warnings and evacuated their homes.
Despite the tragic loss of a man in his 60s in the Harcourt community, found dead in his car, the community is grieving, and thoughts are with his family and the broader community.
Family Found Safe
A family of three who were missing in the Longwood fires has been found safe, with the house destroyed, but their whereabouts unknown initially.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush assured that significant efforts were made to locate the family, who are now in Benalla, safe and well.
Power Outages
Over 30,000 properties across Victoria remain without power, with more than 27,700 in the state's east, including areas affected by the Longwood and Walwa fires.
Powercor and CitiPower report over 4800 customers without power in Victoria's west and the Melbourne CBD, with fires in their catchment area, including Skipton and Meredith.
Fire Status and Alerts
The fire at Harcourt and Ravenswood has been downgraded from emergency warning to watch and act, with residents advised to monitor conditions.
The State Control Centre reports 3000 hectares burned in and around Harcourt, with residents urged not to return to their homes.
The watch and act alert remains in place for specific communities, and updates will be provided if conditions change.
ADF Support and Federal Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Australian Defence Force will support firefighting efforts and provide accommodation for firefighters.
The ADF will assist the CFA, battling up to 36 active bushfires, with a focus on mental health support and accommodation for firefighters.
The federal government's Emergency Services Minister, Kristy McBain, is traveling to Victoria to lead the federal response.
Rainfall and Relief
Gentle rain in Mansfield provided temporary relief, but the rain stopped shortly after.
The CFA Chief Officer expressed concern for the Surf Coast as an out-of-control fire burns in the Otways, with strong winds and gusts expected.
Firefront Update
Premier Jacinta Allan confirms the number of active fires has reached 36, with 19 active emergency warnings in place, forcing evacuations in windy conditions.
The situation remains dynamic, and the community is urged to stay informed and follow critical advice.
