Human remains found near Longwood as Victoria bushfires scorch large areas

Independent.co reports that police confirmed on Sunday human remains were discovered by a vehicle near the town of Longwood, roughly 110 km north of the state capital Melbourne, as bushfires continued to rage across Victoria's southeast. The blazes have consumed over 350,000 hectares of bushland since the middle of the week, destroyed more than 300 structures, left thousands of homes without power and razed properties, vineyards and agricultural land.

Authorities warned these are the most severe fires to hit the southeast since the 2019-2020 Black Summer, which devastated an area the size of Turkey and claimed 33 lives. Victoria's premier Jacinta Allan said more than 30 fires were burning across the state, and New South Wales’ Rural Fire Service said several fires near the Victorian border were at the highest danger rating.

Chris Hardman, chief fire officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria, said: "These fires will not be contained before it gets hot, dry and windy again." Victoria police said the victim had not yet been identified. Allan posted on X that a total fire ban was in place and thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft were battling the blazes, adding that smoke was impacting air quality in many areas including metropolitan Melbourne.

Key Topics

World, Longwood, Victoria, Melbourne, Jacinta Allan, Anthony Albanese