Three people missing in Longwood East
Victoria is confronting its most dangerous fire emergency since the deadly Black Summer of 2019–20, as catastrophic conditions fuel dozens of bushfires across the state, destroying homes, cutting power to thousands and forcing entire communities into last-minute shelter.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling two major blazes burning out of control at Longwood, southwest of Euroa, and near Walwa on the NSW border, as temperatures soar into the mid-40s and violent winds fan flames across parched landscapes.
Authorities have confirmed that homes have been lost, particularly in the small township of Ruffy, while residents in multiple communities have been ordered to either flee immediately or shelter in place as it is now too late to evacuate safely.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch warned that Victoria has not experienced conditions of this severity for more than five years.
“Today we are facing catastrophic and extreme fire danger,” he said. “Any fire that starts will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and extremely fast moving.”
Towns cut off, shelter warnings issued
By mid-morning Friday, more than 30 active fires were burning across Victoria. A “Take Shelter Now” warning was issued for a wide swathe of communities near the Longwood fire, including Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Strathbogie, Locksley, Tarcombe and Terip Terip.
The Country Fire Authority warned that the blaze was not yet under control and posed a direct threat to lives.
“It is too late to leave the area safely,” the CFA said. “You must take shelter now.”
Emergency crews are deeply concerned for three people missing in Longwood East — a man, a woman and a child — after their home was found destroyed when firefighters returned to the area. Police say the trio were advised to leave earlier, and while there is no confirmation of fatalities, they remain unaccounted for.
‘Like a bomb’s gone off’: Ruffy devastated
The township of Ruffy, near Seymour, has been left shattered.
Local CFA captain George Noye described scenes of destruction that resembled a war zone.
“The main street looks like a bomb’s gone off,” he said. “We’ve lost homes — some belonging to members of our own brigade. We’ve lost a school. It’s absolutely devastating.”
With access roads blocked and conditions hazardous, firefighters have been forced to move between paddocks as they struggle to defend what remains.
Power outages and transport chaos
Nearly 10,000 Victorians are without electricity, with major outages affecting towns across the north and northeast. Power authorities warn restoration efforts are being delayed by dangerous fire conditions.
Transport networks have also been crippled. While the Hume Freeway briefly reopened between Seymour and Violet Town, authorities warned further closures may be required. V/Line services across multiple regional routes have been cancelled, with no replacement coaches available.
Walwa fire threatens border communities
In the state’s northeast, a second major blaze is burning within Mt Lawson State Park, moving south and southeast toward Walwa, Bungil, Koetong and Nariel Valley. Residents have been issued “Leave Immediately” warnings as the fire threatens homes and critical infrastructure.
The fire has already damaged pine plantations, and crews fear worsening conditions could push the blaze into populated areas.
Government activates hardship payments
Premier Jacinta Allan, who returned from leave amid the unfolding emergency, announced that personal hardship payments have been activated for residents affected by the fires.
“These payments are available immediately,” she said, noting that relief centres, including in Seymour, are assisting displaced families.
The Premier delivered a blunt message to those in fire zones.
“I cannot be more clear,” she said. “If you have been advised to leave, you must leave now.”
Worst-case scenarios feared
Fire authorities warn that the Longwood and Walwa blazes are so intense they could generate their own thunderstorms, raising the risk of dry lightning igniting new fires.
Maps released by the State Control Centre outline worst-case danger zones stretching across large parts of northern Victoria, as emergency services brace for what could be one of the most destructive fire days in the state’s history.
With a statewide total fire ban in force and catastrophic ratings across multiple regions, authorities are urging Victorians to avoid all non-essential travel and stay alert to rapidly changing warnings.
