3 Missing as Catastrophic Fires Sweep Australia

Catastrophic bushfires are raging across the Australian state of Victoria, destroying homes, forcing mass evacuations and leaving three people missing, as authorities warn conditions are among the most dangerous seen in years.

Emergency officials said firefighters were battling around 30 active fires on Friday as Victoria’s fire danger rating reached the highest possible level. Extreme heat and strong winds have fueled the rapid spread of the blazes across large areas of bushland.

Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch warned that temperatures were expected to soar to 46 degrees Celsius, with winds likely to create “undefendable” conditions in some locations. He urged residents in threatened areas to evacuate immediately, warning that delays could be fatal.

Dozens of towns and communities have been evacuated, while national parks and campgrounds have been closed as fires continue to advance. A major blaze near the town of Longwood has burned more than 35,000 hectares, destroying homes and community buildings. Another large fire near Walwa has spread across roughly 20,000 hectares of bushland.

Victoria Police said two adults and one child were missing in the Longwood area after their home was destroyed by fire. Emergency crews are continuing search efforts amid difficult conditions.

Local fire captain George Noye said some residents had lost everything, including homes, livelihoods, livestock and farming infrastructure, describing the damage as devastating for the community.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan described the situation as one of the most dangerous fire days the state has experienced in years. The fires began on Wednesday as an intense heatwave swept across southern Australia, creating conditions comparable to the deadly Black Summer bushfires of 2019 and 2020.

Australia is highly vulnerable to extreme bushfire seasons, with scientists warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and fires. The country’s average temperature has risen by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius since 1910, contributing to longer and more destructive fire seasons.

Authorities continue to urge residents to monitor emergency warnings closely and follow evacuation orders as the bushfire crisis unfolds across Victoria.