A tragic turn of events has unfolded in the Longwood bushfire, with a devastating loss of life. The discovery of human remains on a scorched road has sent shockwaves through the community.
Updated on January 11, 2026, this story reveals the ongoing battle against the relentless bushfires in central Victoria. Despite initial hopes, the situation has taken a tragic twist.
Police confirmed the discovery of human remains near a vehicle on Yarck Road in Gobur, a remote area. This tragic find has left emergency services reeling, as Chris Hardman from Forest Fire Management Victoria expressed his deep sympathy for the local community and the loved ones of the deceased.
But here's where it gets controversial... Emergency services had warned that the bushfires could continue burning for weeks, despite cooler conditions. Premier Jacinta Allan, who has been away from home due to evacuation warnings, urged Victorians to stay away from fire-ravaged areas, as police expressed concerns about potential looting.
The scale of the devastation is immense. Thirty-two fires are still burning across Victoria, with over 350,000 hectares of land destroyed - an area twice the size of Greater London. Severe heatwave conditions have eased, but the fire risk remains high, with a total fire ban extended until Monday.
Air quality varies across the state, with Melbourne enjoying good air quality, while areas like Beechworth and Rutherglen suffer from very poor air quality. Over 6,000 properties remain without power, and the power network's rebuilding is expected to take weeks.
Electricity distributors, AusNet and Powercor, are facing the daunting task of replacing hundreds of power poles and powerlines. Despite challenges, some progress has been made, with power restored to a few homes in Longwood.
AusNet has set up a hotline for affected customers and will provide charging facilities at the Seymour relief center on Monday. Powercor reported significant damage to power poles across various regions, with repairs ongoing.
As of Sunday midday, there were 15 "leave now" warnings and 17 "watch and act" notifications across Victoria. Premier Allan announced additional funding for fire-affected communities, with a focus on supporting farmers and providing emergency accommodation and mental health services.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed gratitude to all those who responded to the fires, including volunteers from NSW. He assured Victorians of their support, both during the crisis and throughout the recovery process.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch warned about "spectators" entering fire-affected zones, emphasizing the need for locals only to enter these areas if safe to do so.
Premier Allan strongly urged fire tourists to stay away, emphasizing the ongoing dangers and the need for respect for those affected.
The Longwood fire has covered approximately 136,000 hectares, and while firefighters have made progress, some areas, like those near Lake Eildon, remain active. Forest Fire Management's Hardman praised the incredible work of the firefighters.
Bonnie Doon remains under a watch and act warning, with residents unable to return home. An emergency warning for several areas on the fire's northeastern edge has been downgraded, with residents advised to monitor changing conditions.
The latest advice for residents of Eildon is to take shelter, while those in Avenel are urged to stay alert. A community meeting will be held at Euroa cinema on Monday at 5 pm.
Premier Allan expressed her deep concern about the potential for looting in north-central Victoria, having met with families who had lost their homes at the Seymour relief center.
Meteorologist Daniel Sherwin-Simpson warned of possible 50km/h gusts near Seymour, which could pose challenges for the fire near Longwood.
The out-of-control bushfire near Walwa has prompted a new warning to leave immediately, with a relief center set up in Wodonga. Another fire in the Cape Otway area is traveling northeast towards private property, with residents instructed to take shelter or leave immediately.
The impact on wildlife and livestock is devastating, with reports of thousands of dead sheep, hundreds of cattle, and various other animals. Hunting and fishing businesses have donated ammunition to assist farmers, while agribusinesses and local MPs have coordinated urgent animal feed to prevent starvation.
The fire near Harcourt, south of Bendigo, is 80% contained, but the community has suffered significant losses. Premier Allan urged residents to continue boiling tap water for safety.
Dozens of local road closures are in place across Victoria, with some V/Line services running, but delays and bus replacements are expected. The heaviest building losses have been in Longwood, with over 150 structures destroyed, and significant losses in Natimuk and Harcourt.
Interstate personnel are assisting Victorian firefighters, with over 70 aircraft deployed and the Australian Defence Force providing support to emergency personnel.
This tragic situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities affected by bushfires. As we navigate these difficult times, it's crucial to stay informed, support one another, and work towards a safer and more resilient future.
