Horrific bushfires in Victoria, thousands ordered to leave their homes

January 9, 2026

New Delhi: Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate their homes and three people are missing amid the ongoing bushfire crisis in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. Authorities reported that 30 active fires had been reported across the state as of Friday, with the devastating conditions making them uncontrolled, unpredictable, and rapidly spreading. Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and strong winds have exacerbated the situation.

Police confirm three people missing

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill told a press conference with emergency service personnel and state Premier Jacinta Allan that three people were missing, Xinhua news agency reported. He said Country Fire Authority (CFA) officials advised two adults and a child living on a property in central Victoria on Thursday to evacuate immediately due to the life-threatening danger from a nearby fire. Hill said that when officials later returned to the property, it was completely destroyed.

“The three people have not yet been found,” he said.

Several homes destroyed in the town of Ruffy, evacuations in surrounding areas

Several homes have been confirmed destroyed in the town of Ruffy, located in central Victoria, about 105 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. Residents in neighboring towns and the state’s far northeastern region have also been instructed to evacuate their homes.

“Catastrophic” fire danger declared in several areas

Four regions of the state have been declared a “catastrophic” (extremely destructive) fire danger rating. This is the first time since 2019 that multiple areas in Victoria have been issued the highest level of fire warnings on the same day.

Premier’s dire warning: “Evacuate immediately”

Premier Jacinta Allan said Friday could be Victoria’s most dangerous fire-risk day in years. She urged thousands of people under evacuation orders to evacuate immediately.

“Fires are raging across the state, and conditions are already extremely dangerous. I couldn’t be more clear. If you’ve been advised to evacuate and are still there, you must leave now.”

Extreme heat, strong winds, and dry lightning expected

CFA Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan said temperatures are expected to reach 46 degrees Celsius in northern Victoria on Friday, and there’s also a possibility of dry lightning (lightning without rain) in central areas in the afternoon, which could further fuel the fires.