Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Catastrophic bushfires rage in Australia
There are really big and dangerous fires in Australia, especially in a place called Victoria.
These fires started because it's very hot and windy.
The fires have burned a lot of land and destroyed many homes and buildings.
Some people are missing, but no one has been hurt yet.
The government is telling people to be very careful and has even closed some parks and campsites.
It's one of the worst fire days they've had in a long time.
Thousands of firefighters are working hard to control the fires, and many people have had to leave their homes to stay safe.
The fires have also caused power outages for many people.
Catastrophic bushfires in Victoria, Australia, have destroyed more than 130 structures, including homes, and burned over 300,000 hectares of bushland.
Three people are missing after a fire near Longwood, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 46°C.
The fire danger rating in Victoria is at the highest level, 'catastrophic', with multiple active blazes and evacuations ordered in multiple communities.
At least 20 homes in the town of Ruffy were destroyed, and a school was lost in the fires, with around 38,000 residences and businesses experiencing power outages.
Thousands of firefighters are working to contain the fires, with the state's parks and campgrounds closed, and a heatwave warning in place for large parts of Victoria.
- Who
- Residents, firefighters, and authorities in Victoria, Australia
- What
- Catastrophic bushfires destroying homes, land, and infrastructure
- When
- January 9-10, 2026
- Where
- Victoria, Australia, with impacts on New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
- Why
- Intense heatwave and strong winds
- Location
- Victoria, Australia
- Date
- January 9-10, 2026
- Affected Area
- 300,000 hectares (741,316 acres) statewide, 130,000 hectares near Longwood
- Missing People
- 2 adults and 1 child
- Temperature
- Up to 46°C in some areas
- Fire Danger Rating
- Catastrophic (highest level)
- Evacuations
- Multiple communities evacuated
- Property Damage
- More than 130 structures, including homes, destroyed
- Power Outages
- Around 38,000 residences and businesses without power
Sources
‘Catastrophic’ bushfires in Australia destroy homes, vast swathes of land; Victoria on high alert
Australia PM warns of extreme and dangerous weather as bushfires rage in Victoria
Australian bushfires raze homes, cut power to tens of thousands
Australian bushfires raze homes, cut power to tens of thousands
