By Deanne Jeffers
DOZENS of bushfires continue to burn across Victoria, with more than 395,000 hectares scorched and over 300 structures destroyed, including homes, farms and community buildings.
The Longwood fire remains one of the most destructive, burning over 135,967 hectares and threatening communities. Fires are also causing widespread damage and property loss in areas including Walwa, Harcourt, and the Alpine State Forest.
More than 400 CFA personnel have battled the Longwood fire since it broke out along the Hume Freeway on Wednesday, January 7, supported by 70 aircraft deployed across the state.
One fatality has been confirmed in the Longwood area. Victoria Police made the tragic discovery on Sunday, where human remains were found about 100m from a vehicle after crews accessed a fire-affected section of Yarck Road at Gobur. The individual has not yet been formally identified, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The cause of the Longwood fire, which has destroyed more than 150 structures, remains under investigation.
In some towns, such as Ruffy, it’s estimated that half of residents have lost homes or structures, and local facilities including the historic primary school have been destroyed.
Paddocks and infrastructure are also heavily impacted, with livestock losses significant and clean-up just beginning as it becomes safe to do so. Longwood and Longwood East residents have been told to boil water after fire shutdown the water treatment plant.
Recovery efforts are underway as firefighters work to secure firegrounds and clear roads, so aid can reach impacted communities.
A State of Disaster has been declared across multiple local government areas, enabling authorities to coordinate resources and enforce evacuations as required. Meanwhile, a Total Fire Ban remained in effect in the North East and North Central fire districts on Monday to reduce the risk of further ignitions.
The State and Federal Government have announced a $19.5M support package for affected communities, covering relief payments, fodder supplies for farmers, emergency accommodation and mental health support.
Support is also flowing from organisations and businesses, including Trelly’s Outdoor, which has been providing free .22 ammunition to farmers in bushfire-affected areas to allow for the humane destruction of injured stock and wildlife.
In just one day, the local business supplied around 30,000 rounds of ammunition directly to affected farmers, with similar numbers donated by members of the public and industry partners in the days that followed. Owner Steven Threlfall and staff have spent long hours coordinating donations and distributing supplies across fire-affected regions, supported by national firearms and ammunition suppliers.
“One young couple came in about the destruction of their burned stock. They bought some ammunition and I donated some, and that sparked me thinking there’s a need here for that type of thing, and I’m in a position to donate and get the firearms industry behind me to help too,” said Mr Threlfall, who said donations had flown in from every state in Australia and by Monday, financial donations were around $50,000.
“We’ve had farmers in here that are 60, 70, 80 years old, and they’ve got tears in their eyes and they’re showing us photos of stock that’s injured, burning sheds, homes lost. Like many others, I’m just trying to do my bit.”
Greater Shepparton residents have also banded together to donate items to fire-affected residents and to support CFA volunteers. Azem Elmaz and People Supporting People are another example, with the organisation preparing meals for volunteers on the front line.
While cooler weather this week may provide some relief from Friday’s extreme conditions, which saw temperatures of 43 degrees and strong winds, several major fires are expected to burn for weeks, with conditions remaining dangerous and dynamic.
Residents in impacted areas are urged to continue to monitor official sources such as the VicEmergency app and website, to follow evacuation orders and be prepared to act at short notice if required to do so.
