A major bushfire emergency has erupted in Victoria's north-east, with residents near the town of Walwa ordered to evacuate immediately in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Midnight Evacuation Order Issued
The urgent warning was issued by authorities just after midnight as an out-of-control blaze, fuelled by dangerous and unpredictable conditions, tore through rugged terrain approximately 25 kilometres west of Walwa. The fast-moving fire was reported to be roaring towards the communities of Granya, Bungil, Burrowye, and Walwa itself.
The situation deteriorated rapidly, and by 6.30am officials stated it was too late for those still in the fire's path to safely escape, instructing them instead to take shelter immediately. The fire remains uncontained, driven by fierce winds and scorching heat.
Statewide Fire Crisis Unfolds
This specific emergency forms part of a much larger and devastating fire crisis gripping the state. More than 200 individual fires are currently burning across Victoria, causing widespread destruction.
The collective infernos have already led to the loss of at least 130 buildings, a figure which includes dozens of family homes. The impact on agriculture has been severe, with reports of entire paddocks of crops and livestock being completely wiped out.
Community on High Alert
Emergency services are battling extreme conditions as they work to protect lives and property. The volatile weather, characterised by strong wind shifts and high temperatures, continues to create a severe fire danger that can change without warning.
Residents across the affected regions are urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow all emergency directives without delay. The scale of the destruction underscores the intense challenge faced by firefighters on the ground.
