Extreme heat has turned Victoria into a tinderbox, sparking catastrophic bushfires that have killed at least one person, razed 120 buildings, and blackened over 300,000 hectares. The crisis unfolded rapidly on Friday, with fires erupting at 200 sites as temperatures soared past 40°C, overwhelming emergency responders.

A 60-year-old man perished near Harcourt, northwest of Melbourne, in his car adjacent to a blaze—his death a tragic footnote to the unfolding disaster. Relief came for three individuals feared missing near Longwood after their house was consumed by flames; all were accounted for safely.

Three firefighters sustained injuries in the line of duty, highlighting the perilous conditions. Saturday brought a brief respite with cooler weather, but 10 large fires persisted, and 20 more were under watch. The toll includes widespread blackouts hitting 38,000 properties and significant animal casualties.

State Premier Jacinta Allan addressed the nation, emphasizing the scale: ‘This is a battle against nature at its most unforgiving.’ Disaster declarations in 19 regions empower officials to commandeer land and resources for urgent containment. As winds threaten to fan the flames anew, communities brace for a prolonged fight, with evacuations and aid operations in full swing.