Victoria Bushfires Worsen: Three Missing, Homes Destroyed

Catastrophic bushfire conditions are worsening across Victoria, leaving three people missing and several homes destroyed, as firefighters battle dozens of blazes across the state.

Emergency warnings are in place across nearly half of Victoria, with soaring temperatures and strong, damaging winds creating extremely dangerous fire conditions.

New fires were reported on Friday near Horsham, Ouyen, Avalon and Skipton. Fire crews are also fighting major blazes near the town of Longwood and in Mount Lawson State Park near Walwa. Additional fires are burning in Victoria’s alpine regions and Far East Gippsland.

Authorities say shifting winds are making firefighting efforts more difficult. State Control Centre spokesperson David Nugent warned that conditions could worsen, increasing the risk of more fires igniting.

Emergency services remain on high alert as crews work to protect lives and property amid unpredictable and fast-moving fire behaviour.