Temperatures soared past 40C as a heatwave blanketed the state of Victoria this week, with hot winds fanning some of the most dangerous fire weather seen since the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020.
One of the most destructive bushfires ripped through almost 150,000 hectares (370,000 acres) near Longwood, a region cloaked in native forests.
Fire crews have started tallying the damage, with early reports of at least 20 houses destroyed in the small town of Ruffy, about two hours’ drive north of state capital Melbourne.
State premier Jacinta Allan on Saturday declared a state of disaster, giving fire crews emergency powers to force evacuations.
“It’s all about one thing: protecting Victorian lives,” she said.
“And it sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave, go.”
Three people, including a child, were missing inside one of the state’s most dangerous fire grounds.
“I appreciate there is a lot of concern,” Allan said.
Although conditions had eased on Saturday morning, more than 30 separate bushfires were still burning.