Victoria is engulfed in a severe bushfire emergency, with multiple intense blazes forcing thousands of residents to abandon their homes under catastrophic conditions. The crisis has prompted the state government to declare a State of Disaster, invoking extraordinary powers to manage the escalating threat.
Premier Declares State of Disaster
Premier Jacinta Allan has officially declared a State of Disaster across 18 fire-affected local government areas and one alpine resort. This critical declaration grants authorities enhanced powers to coordinate the emergency response, including the ability to enforce mandatory evacuations and control movement in danger zones.
"It ensures that every part of government – every department, every agency, every authority – is focused on one priority: protecting life," Premier Allan stated. She emphasised that the declaration also provides the legal authority for officials to remove individuals who refuse to leave areas where their lives are at imminent risk.
Areas Under the Declaration
The State of Disaster is now in effect for the following regions:
- Alpine Shire
- Ararat Rural City
- Colac Otway Shire
- Corangamite Shire
- East Gippsland Shire
- Golden Plains Shire
- Greater Bendigo City
- Horsham Rural City
- Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated)
- Mansfield Shire
- Mildura Rural City
- Mitchell Shire
- Moira Shire
- Mount Alexander Shire
- Murrindindi Shire
- Pyrenees Shire
- Strathbogie Shire
- Towong Shire
- Wellington Shire
Worst Conditions Since Black Summer
The current catastrophic fire conditions represent the most dangerous threat Victoria has confronted since the devastating Black Summer of 2019-20. That previous crisis resulted in five fatalities and the scorching of 1.5 million hectares of land. The present situation has already seen significant destruction, including the loss of at least one school, with emergency services battling numerous out-of-control fires across the state.
A total fire ban remains firmly in place as firefighters work tirelessly in extreme conditions. Communities within the declared zones are urged to heed all emergency warnings and evacuation orders immediately. The declaration underscores the severity of the ongoing Victorian bushfires and the government's commitment to a unified, life-saving response.
