Victoria Experiences Extensive Bushfire Season, Resulting in Fatalities and Widespread Damage, Sparking Review and Funding Debates

Victoria experienced a severe bushfire season, primarily in January 2024, leading to at least one fatality, the destruction of over 1,550 structures, and the burning of more than 400,000 hectares of land. The fires, exacerbated by prolonged heatwaves and strong winds, prompted widespread evacuations, significant firefighting efforts, and substantial government relief packages.

The response and preparedness measures have also led to public and political discussions, including a review by the Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) and debates regarding Country Fire Authority (CFA) funding.

Overview of the 2024 Bushfire Season in Victoria

The bushfire season saw fires characterized by their speed, scale, and destructive capability, occurring earlier than the typical peak in February.

Professor David Bowman of the University of Tasmania noted that many fires were "grassland story" blazes, driven by high winds across rural lands following previous wet years that led to significant grass growth, which then dried out under subsequent heat.

The events were described by authorities and firefighters as unprecedented in some areas, with conditions exceeding those observed during the 2009 Black Saturday fires in terms of intensity and rapid spread.

Chronology of Major Fire Events

• January 6: Warnings were issued regarding an impending severe heatwave, with temperatures projected to reach up to 45-46 degrees Celsius by January 9. Forecasts anticipated gusty and erratic winds, potentially causing new fire ignitions.
• January 7: Melbourne recorded a temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius. Several bush and grass fires ignited across Victoria. The Walwa fire began near the Victoria-New South Wales border, prompting immediate evacuation advisories. Warnings were also issued for the Longwood fire in central Victoria, with residents initially advised to shelter.

• January 8: Authorities declared a catastrophic fire danger rating for January 9, the first such declaration since the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. A statewide total fire ban was imposed, and national parks were closed. Two dozen Victorian townships were urged to evacuate due to uncontrolled Longwood and Walwa blazes. The Walwa fire developed its own weather system, generating a pyrocumulonimbus cloud with lightning and thunder.
• January 9: Strong winds, including gusts over 110 kilometers per hour in western Victoria, and high temperatures intensified existing fires and caused new ones to erupt. Smoke and ash blanketed Melbourne.
  • The Longwood fire spread south-easterly, affecting towns including Merton, Yarck, Molesworth, and Alexandra, with significant damage reported in Ruffy.
  • A fire started in Ravenswood, north of Harcourt, rapidly spreading and damaging the Bendigo rail line.
  • Grassfires west of Ballarat affected Streatham, Carranballac, and Skipton.
  • The Grass Flat blaze impacted Natimuk, west of Horsham, with the fire front traversing approximately 10 kilometers in under an hour.
  • Two large fires were detected in the Great Otway National Park.

• January 10-15: While temperatures eased and winds decreased in some areas, multiple fires, including Longwood and Walwa, continued to burn. Authorities utilized milder conditions for controlled burns to establish containment lines. Emergency alerts remained active as fire crews continued operations statewide.
  • Maxwell Hobson, a cattle farmer, was identified as the first confirmed fatality, killed in the Longwood fire, with human remains discovered on Yarck Road in Gobur.
  • The Carlisle River fire in the Otways expanded, threatening properties near Gellibrand, leading to renewed emergency warnings and evacuations.
• Late January: Forecasts indicated a potential return of warmer weather and elevated fire risks towards the end of January, with some areas bracing for temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius.

Major Fire Incidents and Their Specific Impacts

This was the largest active blaze, covering an estimated 137,000 to 144,000 hectares. It destroyed at least 142 homes, 243 outbuildings, and approximately 150 other structures. The cause is under investigation by Victoria Police's arson squad, focusing on whether sparks from a truck trailer on the Hume Freeway initiated the blaze. One fatality, cattle farmer Maxwell Hobson, was attributed to this fire. Fowles Wines vineyard suffered extensive damage, including the loss of 300 acres of vines, hundreds of sheep, and a 100% crop failure.

This fire affected over 102,000 hectares in north-east Victoria, destroying approximately 10,000 hectares of pine plantation, impacting timber mills. Nine structures and 584 hectares of farmland were also lost.

A fast-moving grassfire devastated 8,000 hectares and destroyed at least 17 homes, 18 outbuildings, 40 power poles, and the Natimuk gymnastics club. Firefighters successfully defended the Natimuk aged care facility despite flames reaching its perimeter.

This fire burnt 4,100 hectares, destroying 54 homes and three businesses, including the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store. It caused damage to a rail bridge and 5 kilometers of track near Harcourt.

Igniting on January 10, this fire expanded to approximately 9,400 hectares, breaching containment lines and threatening properties near Gellibrand. Initial estimates reported eight residential homes, sheds, and some Barwon Water assets potentially burned, with a total of 16 structures sustaining damage. Poor air quality due to smoke was reported across southern Victoria, including Melbourne, Geelong, and the Mornington Peninsula.

Fires west of Ballarat resulted in the loss of 59 structures, including 18 homes.

A grassfire on Melbourne's north-western fringe consumed over 250 hectares, destroying several caravans and prompting emergency warnings for areas including Beveridge, Bolinda, and Sunbury.

Impact and Damage Assessment

• Structures Destroyed: Over 1,550 structures have been confirmed as damaged or destroyed across Victoria, including at least 250 homes. Specific losses included 142 homes in Longwood, 54 in Ravenswood, 17 in Natimuk, 15 in Streatham, and nine in Walwa. Hundreds of outbuildings and businesses were also lost.
• Fatalities and Injuries: One confirmed fatality, Maxwell Hobson, occurred in the Longwood fire. A Ruffy CFA firefighter received hospital treatment for third-degree burns.
• Agricultural Losses: Over 400,000 hectares of public and private land were affected, with estimates of 15,000 livestock deaths. Thousands of dead sheep, hundreds of cattle, and numerous kangaroos and deer were observed.
• Infrastructure Damage: Roads, including a 74-kilometer section of the Hume Highway, were closed. Rail infrastructure near Harcourt sustained damage. Power outages affected tens of thousands of properties, with electricity distributors anticipating weeks of repair work for damaged poles and lines. Tap water in Harcourt was advised against for drinking due to contamination risks.
• Environmental and Health Concerns: Widespread 'poor' to 'very poor' air quality advisories were issued due to smoke and ash, recommending people stay indoors, especially vulnerable populations.

Response and Relief Efforts

• Firefighting Operations: Thousands of firefighters, supported by over 70 aircraft and 200 interstate personnel, were deployed. The Australian Defence Force provided logistical, accommodation, and catering support. Volunteer firefighters, including some who lost their own homes, remained active on the fire grounds.
• Evacuations and Relief Centers: Tens of thousands of residents were advised to evacuate, with 13 relief centers established across Victoria. The Mansfield Showgrounds became an unofficial refuge for evacuees with animals. Police and SES volunteers conducted door-knocks in threatened communities.
• Government Financial Support: The Victorian and Federal governments announced an initial $19.5 million support package, followed by an additional $160 million, bringing total aid to over $100 million. This included grants up to $52,000 for uninsured homeowners, personal hardship payments ($1000 per adult, $400 per child), $112 million for a state-coordinated clean-up program, funding for temporary accommodation, financial counselling, land recovery, and mental health services. $500,000 was allocated for the reconstruction of the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store.
• Community Resilience and Assistance: Local communities demonstrated resilience, with residents assisting neighbors, farmers protecting properties, and businesses donating supplies. The Victorian Bushfire Appeal was launched to accept donations.

Investigations and Debates

• Cause of Longwood Fire: Victoria Police's arson squad is investigating whether sparks from a truck trailer on the Hume Freeway caused the deadly Longwood fire.
• Roadside Vegetation Management: Discussions emerged regarding roadside grass verges. The CFA recommends maintenance at 10 centimeters, with observations near Longwood indicating taller grass. While some argued longer grass complicates suppression, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan stated that under extreme conditions, grass length would have had minimal impact on fire spread. The Victorian government is updating its 2013 risk assessment for bushfire danger along arterial roads.
• Country Fire Authority (CFA) Funding Controversy: Premier Jacinta Allan faced scrutiny and heckling from residents and opposition figures concerning alleged underfunding of the CFA and outdated equipment.
  • Government Position: Premier Allan, the CFA board, and senior management denied funding cuts, stating the CFA's budget had increased annually since the fire services restructuring, including a $20.3 million boost this year. They also cited an emergency request for additional funds being met prior to the fire season. The Premier emphasized "now is not the time for politics."
  • Critics' Position: Critics, including United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall, Wimmera grain farmer Andrew Weidemann, and CFA Volunteers Group president John Houston, advocated for a parliamentary inquiry, arguing for greater accountability and transparency. They cited concerns about outdated equipment (230 trucks over 30 years old), insufficient supplies, and low morale.
  • Annual Report Findings: The CFA's 2024-25 annual report, tabled almost three months late, showed government grants totaling $361.3 million (a five-year high, up $21.8 million from the previous year). Total income rose to $477.4 million. However, the report recorded a $50.5 million deficit. The report also indicated a slight decrease in operational volunteers. The Victorian Auditor-General's Office stated it approved the report on November 11, despite the Premier initially attributing the delay to VAGO.

Weather Conditions and Climate Context

• Detailed Heatwave Conditions: Victoria experienced multiple severe to extreme heatwaves. The first saw temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius for consecutive days, peaking at 46C. Later in January, northern Victoria faced forecasts of potentially record-breaking temperatures, with Ouyen predicted to reach 49 degrees Celsius. This was described as the longest heatwave since 2009 in some areas.
• Wind Changes and Their Impact: Strong, gusty, and erratic winds significantly influenced fire behavior and spread, causing rapid advances and making containment challenging. Wind changes frequently altered fire directions, necessitating dynamic firefighting responses and evacuation orders.
• Drought and Fuel Load Conditions: The fires followed a year of dry conditions with below-average rainfall. Subsequent November rain led to significant grass growth, which then dried out under prolonged heat, creating substantial dry fuel loads.
• Broader Climate Change Discussion: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese linked increased spending on extreme weather events to climate change, noting the simultaneous occurrence of floods in Queensland and fires in Victoria. Officials, including fire scientist David Bowman, emphasized that climate change is exacerbating conditions, leading to higher temperatures that dry landscapes faster and contribute to more frequent catastrophic fire events.

Outlook and Ongoing Challenges

As milder weather conditions aided containment efforts for some fires, several major blazes, including Walwa, Longwood, and the Otways fires, were brought under control or contained. However, authorities cautioned that the fire season was not over, with the peak danger typically occurring in February and the potential for further hot, windy conditions and dry lightning to emerge. The fires were expected to continue burning for several weeks, requiring significant rainfall for full containment. Firefighting crews continued to monitor and manage active fire grounds, establishing control lines where weather permitted.