Tens of thousands lose power as fires rage across southeastern Australia

Thousands of firefighters were deployed across southeastern Australia to combat bushfires that have destroyed homes, cut power to tens of thousands of residents, and scorched vast swathes of bushland, Reuters reports.

In Victoria, authorities reported that the fires have consumed more than 300,000 hectares (741,316 acres) since midweek amid an ongoing heatwave, with 10 major blazes still burning across the state. The fires have destroyed over 130 structures, including homes, and left around 38,000 households and businesses without power. Officials described the fires as the worst to strike the state since the Black Summer bushfires of 2019–2020, which razed an area the size of Türkiye and claimed 33 lives.

“Where we can, fires will be being brought under control,” Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan told reporters, noting that thousands of firefighters are actively working on containment efforts.

In neighbouring New South Wales, several fires near the Victorian border were classified at emergency level—the highest danger rating—by the Rural Fire Service, as temperatures soared into the mid-40s Celsius (111°F). In Sydney, the mercury reached 42.2°C, more than 17 degrees above the January average, according to the nation’s weather bureau.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned of “extreme and dangerous” fire conditions, particularly in Victoria, where much of the state has been declared a disaster zone. “My thoughts are with Australians in these regional communities at this very difficult time,” Albanese said in televised remarks from Canberra.

One of the largest fires, near the town of Longwood, approximately 112 km (70 miles) north of Melbourne, has burned 130,000 hectares (320,000 acres) of bushland, destroying 30 structures along with vineyards and agricultural land, authorities said. Dozens of communities near the fires have been evacuated, and many parks and campgrounds have been closed as a precaution.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a heatwave warning for large parts of Victoria and an ongoing fire weather warning covering extensive areas including New South Wales. Officials anticipate conditions will ease over the weekend as a southerly change brings milder temperatures to the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva