Australia on Edge as Catastrophic Bushfires Destroy Homes

Catastrophic bushfires fuelled by a brutal heatwave scorch Victoria, destroying homes and leaving 3 missing as fire danger hits extreme levels.

sarah

Jan 9, 2026 - 09:15

Australia on Edge as Catastrophic Bushfires Destroy Homes

Australians in Victoria have been warned to prepare for "property damage or worse" as a severe heatwave grips much of the country.

Temperatures are forecast to reach record highs in most states and territories on Friday and Saturday, with strong winds and scorching temperatures creating dangerous fire conditions, particularly in Victoria and South Australia.

A total fire ban is in place across Victoria, and all areas of the state have been given "catastrophic" or "extreme" fire danger ratings.

"People in Victoria need to be prepared for further property damage or worse," Country Fire Authority (CFA) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday.

"Yesterday was bad. Today is horrific," Heffernan said. Temperatures in Victoria are expected to reach 42C on Friday.

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Authorities said a bushfire near Longwood in central Victoria has burned approximately 36,000 hectares of land, and at least ten homes have been destroyed in the small town of Ruffy.

Ruffy CFA Captain George Noye said the town had been "devastated".

"The main street looks like a bomb has gone off, we've lost a school," he told the ABC. "Some properties have been completely destroyed. They've lost their livelihoods, their shearing sheds, their livestock, everything, and it's truly devastating.

"But thankfully, no lives have been lost so far."

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said three people – two adults and a child – were still missing in the Longwood area.

He said authorities had spoken to them at their property yesterday and warned them to leave for a safer location, but it was too late to evacuate. Firefighters returned later to find the house had burned down, but they couldn't find the three people.

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"They may be safe, they may be alive, we shouldn't jump to conclusions, but we remain hopeful," Hill said.

Another fire near Walwa in north-east Victoria has burned more than 17,000 hectares.

Heffernan urged all Victorians to remain on high alert, not just those near active fires.

"My message to Victorians at this time is that yes, we're talking about Longwood and Walwa, but we have a number of other fires that have started in and around communities this morning... I expect we'll see more fires as the day progresses."

In South Australia, local fire authorities said they battled several smaller fires across the state overnight, and temperatures are expected to reach 46C in some areas.

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