In Victoria, a dozen significant bushfires continue to rage, prompting the issuance of three emergency warnings alongside 19 watch and act alerts. The situation remains precarious, with authorities urging residents to stay vigilant and respond promptly to official guidance.

Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch emphasized the importance of community cooperation, stating, “With those 12 fires that are still in our landscape, we still need communities to be heeding our warnings.” His words underscore the ongoing threat posed by the fires and the critical need for public awareness and action.

In response to the Walwa blaze in the state’s north-east, a series of urgent warnings have been issued. Residents in Berringama, Bullioh, Koetong, Lucyvale, Shelley, Tallangatta Valley, and surrounding areas have been advised to take shelter. Meanwhile, those in Bungil, Burrowye, Granya, and nearby locales are under a leave immediately warning, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Adding to the complexity, a separate take shelter warning was issued overnight for Irrewillipe, where an out-of-control fire is burning at Carlisle River, located south-west of Melbourne. This development further strains emergency resources and tests the resilience of affected communities.

In a glimmer of hope amidst the crisis, bushfires in Streatham, Mount Mercer, and Natimuk have been successfully contained. This achievement is a testament to the relentless efforts of thousands of Victorian emergency services personnel, supported by 380 colleagues from interstate, who have been working tirelessly to bring these infernos under control.

Wiebusch confirmed more than 1000 agricultural properties across the state have “potentially seen an impact”.

That includes more than 150 structures decimated by the Longwood fire, 47 buildings burned in the Ravenswood blaze, 59 structures destroyed by the Streatham fire and at least 30 structures confirmed flattened in and around Natimuk.

The number of homes lost among those structures is still being determined.

Wibesuch said a “tremendous number” of homes were saved thanks to firefighters and local volunteers.

But there are fears a second heatwave forecast for the end of the month could pose further danger to communities.

Almost 400,000 hectares of land has burned across Victoria as a result of the fires.

Agriculture Victoria is working to assess other properties for damage across Victoria.

“We are continuing as soon as we possibly can to firm up those impact assessments across the state,” Wiebusch said.

Residents concerned about the welfare of their livestock can contact Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226 to register their concerns.

“We are early in the high-risk weather season,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

“Whilst we join with community in the rebuilding and the relief and recovery, we need to turn our minds to the fires that could be, as the season continues.”

Heffernan said the extent of a likely heatwave was “yet to be determined”.

“Much work will be done between now and then to contain these fires,” Heffernan said.

“There is time for Victorians to get ready for the rest of the season, to make preparations.”

‘Incredibly devastating’: Longwood fire turns fatal

As emergency services were able to access the site of the Longwood fire, which has been downgraded to a watch-and-act level, they discovered an unidentified person’s body, about 100 metres from a vehicle on Yarck Road, Gobur.

“It is incredibly devastating lose a loss of life in such difficult and tragic circumstances,” Allan said this morning.

She said it was a “really tragic reminder” of how dangerous bushfire conditions were, and urged people to stay up to date with warnings and alerts.

But some of the blazes are expected to burn for weeks, as authorities warn people only to return to their communities when given an explicit all-clear.

Even then, rapidly changing conditions could see new dangers present themselves.

Police are also on guard against potential looters and tourists who are travelling to fire-ravaged districts just to have a look.

The statewide total fire ban has been rescinded for today, but total fire bans remain in place for the North East and North Central districts.

Fire danger ratings remain high across most of the state, with the exception of the West and South Gippsland, Central, and East Gippsland districts, which have a moderate danger rating.