Widespread bushfires across Victoria have triggered significant power failures, leading to the disruption of 7NEWS television services in multiple regions. The broadcaster has confirmed its signal is currently unavailable in parts of Bendigo, Central Victoria, Corryong, and Northeastern Victoria due to the ongoing crisis.
Broadcast Disruption and Alternative Information Channels
7NEWS has moved to assure residents that technical teams are aware of the broadcast issues and will work to restore services as soon as it is safe to do so. In the interim, the company is directing affected viewers to alternative platforms for critical news updates.
Residents in impacted areas with internet access can use the 7plus streaming service to follow coverage. The latest news is also available via the 7News.com.au website and the broadcaster's official social media channels. The organisation has apologised for the inconvenience and pledged to provide further updates promptly.
State of Emergency as Fires Rage Across the State
The broadcast disruptions come amid a severe bushfire emergency gripping Victoria. Dozens of fires are burning, with emergency warnings covering half the state amid soaring temperatures and damaging, gusty winds. The situation remains dynamic and dangerous.
On Friday, new blazes sparked near Horsham, Ouyen, Avalon, and Skipton. Emergency services continue to battle major fires near the town of Longwood and at Mount Lawson State Park, near Walwa. Further outbreaks are active in the state's alpine region and in Far East Gippsland.
State Control Centre spokesman David Nugent said a wind change was challenging firefighting efforts and conditions were expected to worsen. "We have hot temperatures, we have strong winds and we are just starting to see the wind change move across from the southwest of the state," Nugent stated. He warned that winds ahead of the change were forecast to be extremely strong.
Community Impact and Ongoing Threats
The human cost of the fires is already mounting. Authorities report that three people are currently unaccounted for, and the blazes have destroyed homes. Major transport routes have also been affected, with the Hume Freeway closed due to the fire threat.
The anticipated wind change could bring storm activity, but little meaningful rain is forecast. This raises the alarming possibility that lightning strikes could ignite new fires, further stretching emergency resources. Residents are urged to stay informed through the official VicEmergency platform for the latest warnings and advice.
The combination of extreme heat, powerful winds, and a volatile fireground continues to create a severe threat to communities across Victoria, with no immediate respite in sight.
