One person killed in Australia bushfires, Prime Minister Albanese says

One person has died as massive bushfires continue to rage in Victoria, Australia, destroying homes, vineyards, and 130,000 hectares of land, the worst fires in the region since the 2019-2020 Black Summer.

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION / Reuters

12 January 2026 at 06:16:54

CFA firefighters conduct black-out operations at dusk as they mop up remaining hot spots following bushfire activity near Alexandra, Victoria, Australia, as extreme fire danger conditions persist across the state, January 10, 2026.

Michael Currie / Reuters

One person has died in a bushfire in the Australian state of Victoria, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday, January 12, as authorities continue to fight multiple uncontrolled fires.

The fatality occurred near Longwood, about 112 kilometers (70 miles) north of Melbourne, close to one of the largest active fires. The blaze has already consumed 130,000 hectares (320,000 acres) of bushland and destroyed 30 structures, including vineyards and agricultural land.

Officials have described the fires as the worst to hit southeastern Australia since the Black Summer fires of 2019–2020, which burned an area roughly the size of Turkey and claimed 33 lives.

Authorities continue to battle the blazes as weather conditions and high winds complicate containment efforts.

-Production: Stefica Bikesh/Reuters

A deadly bushfire in Victoria, Australia, has claimed one life, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on January 12. The fire near Longwood, about 112 km north of Melbourne, has scorched 130,000 hectares, destroyed 30 structures, and devastated vineyards and farmland. Authorities warn this is the worst fire in southeastern Australia since the 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes.