Australia heatwave live updates: three individuals missing after home consumed by bushfire located safe; Sydney temperatures set to hit 43C
Three individuals initially reported missing after a house was destroyed in the bushfire have been discovered and are safe, according to the Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan.
We appreciate everyone who contributed to the safety of those individuals.
The premier also offered an update on the man in his 60s who passed away near a fire site after being found in his vehicle.
Though his death is not directly tied to the fires, the close proximity to the fire ground emphasizes a community in mourning, and my thoughts go out to his family and the wider community.
Allan, whose own community has been urged to evacuate, expressed gratitude to those who heeded emergency services’ advice, stating that as warnings were given, “communities reacted”.
I understand how challenging it is to leave your home not knowing when or what you might return to. This has saved lives. Once again, I appreciate Victorians for adhering to that guidance.
ShareUpdated at 00.02 GMTKey eventsShow key events onlyPlease enable JavaScript to utilize this featureThree firefighters have suffered injuries while on the fireground throughout Victoria, as stated by Victorian Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan.Yesterday, authorities provided details regarding a firefighter who injured his hand. Heffernan noted that he received treatment at Melbourne Hospital.Another CFA firefighter engaged in the Nunbreg fire was struck in the face by a hose and was taken to Horsham Hospital for assessment before being transferred to Melbourne for additional treatment.An interstate firefighter with a pre-existing health issue experienced a “medical episode” resulting in an airlift to Melbourne as a precaution.All three firefighters are “doing well,” Heffernan mentioned.
They are in high spirits, and I know that on behalf of all Victorians, you’ll be extending your thanks and recognition for their dedication and sacrifices.
Heffernan also expressed gratitude towards communities that hosted CFA crews overnight, particularly in areas cut off due to fallen trees and hazards in the fireground around the Longwood fire.
I want to express my thanks to the communities, the local establishments, shop owners, and Airbnb hosts who opened their doors, providing free meals, accommodations, and all necessary support for these firefighters.
ShareVictorian Police commissioner Mike Bush has urged residents to heed directions at roadblocks.
I genuinely request you to comply with the directions given by emergency services personnel who are present. The rationale behind these instructions is primarily for your safety.
He indicated that the man in his 60s, who was found deceased in his vehicle, is not thought to be connected to the fire; however, the cause of death will be examined by the coroner.ShareWiesbusch mentioned that the fires have resulted in “significant losses”.
In the case of the Ravenswood and Harcourt fire, approximately 50 structures have been destroyed by the fire – although this figure is a cautious early estimate with expectations of an increase.
The Bendigo railway line has been impacted and is currently closed, with a temporary bus service in place to substitute trains.
At the Longwood fire, 30 structures have been confirmed to have been lost, with assessments of impacts still ongoing in that area.
At the Natimuk fire in Victoria’s west, losses include livestock, vineyards, and cropping land, with 20 structures destroyed and significant effects on livestock.
In the Yarrowee fire in Victoria’s north along the Murray Valley Highway, 10 structures have succumbed to the flames, alongside agricultural land damage.
The Streatham fire has resulted in the destruction of five structures.
Small losses were reported at the Walwa fire; however, 10,000 hectares, including pine plantations, have been devastated.
Victoria’s firefighting efforts have received assistance from 160 personnel from other states, with an additional 32 arriving from various parts of Australia.Wiesbusch stated he has requested more resources from other states, and even internationally, to support the state “over the next month,” with further details to be provided “in the coming days”.ShareUpdated at 00.24 GMTAdditional fires anticipated in Victoria due to overnight lightningMore wildfires are expected in Victoria today as a result of overnight lightning, according to emergency management commissioner, Tim Wiebusch.Victoria has faced 200 fires thus far, with 11 escalating into major incidents, and although this has lessened, “many of those major fires will persist for days or even weeks.”Those planning to return to their properties are encouraged to check current warnings.
If you no longer fall under the warning footprint, it is safe to return to those areas, but remain vigilant as we still have those 10 major fires on the landscape.
Wiebusch asks individuals to avoid the “fire footprints” until they have been declared safe for return, due to concerns about roads into and out of communities becoming congested.The regions currently affected by the state of disaster include:ShareUpdated at 00.19 GMTPersonal hardship payments set to aid fire-affected communities, according to premierPersonal hardship payments will be issued to individuals in fire-affected communities, with additional details made available through the VicEmergency hotline, the premier, Jacinta Allan, stated.
These payments provide funds for essentials like clothing, food, and medications during emergencies.
This will not be the final assistance for fire-impacted communities as assessments are ongoing – the recovery journey is long ahead of us.
To those inquiring whether they can return, the premier noted that efforts are underway on that front, but strong winds complicate the situation, making it “difficult and hazardous,” and the circumstances are “unpredictable and may shift very quickly.”
What might appear safe at one moment can turn into a very perilous situation the next. Thus, please stay informed. Follow the guidelines, support our emergency services, and look after family and loved ones.
ShareUpdated at 00.31 GMTThree individuals initially reported missing after a house consumed by bushfire located safeThree individuals initially reported missing after a house destroyed by the bushfire have been found in good health, according to the Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan.
We appreciate everyone for their support in safeguarding those individuals.
The premier also provided an update regarding the man in his 60s who passed near a fire site after being discovered in his vehicle.
While his death is not directly tied to the fires, the fact that it occurred so close to the fire site means this community is grieving, and my thoughts are with his family and the broader community.
Allan, who mentioned her own community has been advised to evacuate, expressed thanks to those who adhered to emergency authorities’ advice, stating that as warnings were issued, “communities reacted”.
I understand the difficulty of leaving your home not knowing what or when you’ll return. This has saved lives. Once again, I appreciate the Victorians for adhering to that advice.
ShareUpdated at 00.02 GMTTen major fire fronts are currently active across Victoria, alongside 20 smaller firesTen major fire fronts are ongoing across Victoria, with an additional 20 smaller fires that demand monitoring.The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, along with state emergency officials, is providing updates on the situation in Victoria.Allan noted that there are currently 19 emergency warnings in place and another 16 watch and act notifications, especially around Walwa, Longwood, Wonnangatta, and Ravenswood. It is estimated that over 300,000 hectares of land has burned, leaving 38,000 households and businesses without power due to the fire.As fires are brought under control, impact assessments are expected to commence, with information to be disclosed, Allan stated. The Walwa bushfire on Friday. Photograph: DEECA Hume region Facebook pageShareUpdated at 00.14 GMTTory ShepherdMan’s death is not directly linked to Ravenswood South fire, police confirmIn relation to the reports about a deceased man – police have confirmed that a man was found dead in his vehicle near the Ravenswood South bushfire, but they believe the death is not directly associated with the fire.Victoria police stated that emergency services located him in his vehicle, on his property, at approximately 4.45pm on Friday evening. Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, believed to be in his 60s, and police will prepare a report for the coroner. According to the statement:
At this preliminary stage, the circumstances in connection with the man’s death remain unclear; nevertheless, the death is not believed to have a direct connection to the nearby fire.
Local detectives, unable to reach the scene immediately due to proximity to the fires, arrived once the area was deemed safe on Friday evening.
The property where the vehicle was found did not sustain any fire damage.
ShareUpdated at 00.33 GMTEelemarni Close-BrownWestern Sydney braces for the heatOn days of extreme heat, western Sydney typically experiences temperatures several degrees higher than the city center.Libraries, community centers, cinemas, and swimming pools provide essential cool spaces for both residents and visitors looking to escape the heat.In Parramatta, the PHIVE serves as one such refuge.Winnie Laio, a psychology student, mentions that she has air conditioning at home, but it struggles in high heat, leading her to spend her day at the hub.
If it becomes excessively hot at home, I take a cold shower and put cold water on my clothes before wearing them.
Yunita Ou and her daughter Olivia at PHIVE. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The GuardianYunita Ou states she walks to the PHIVE to allow her daughter, Olivia, to enjoy the playpen and the air conditioning.
We have a fan and air conditioning at home, but we decided to come here to play since the park is obviously too hot for the children, so we came to PHIVE.
ShareUpdated at 23.30 GMTSydney prepares for the sweltering heatAs the city braces for soaring temperatures, preparations are already underway.Some local councils, such as Canterbury Bankstown, have extended their opening times for pools and libraries, offering local residents venues to cool off.Zookeepers at Taronga Zoo are ensuring animals can also cool down – providing opportunities for swimming, as well as treats known as “blood-sicles” – icy blocks made with meat, blood, and water – for the lions.The University of Sydney is operating a temporary cooling hub at Belmore Park to help prevent heat-related illnesses during the extreme temperatures.A fennec fox enjoys icicles at Taronga Zoo. Photograph: Taronga Conservation Society AustraliaShareUpdated at 23.49 GMT
Published: 2026-01-10 00:24:00
source: www.theguardian.com
