A ferocious bushfire has ripped through parts of central Victoria, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and prompting urgent concern for the wellbeing of three people who have not been located.
The fire tore through the small rural town of Ruffy, obliterating homes, community buildings and infrastructure as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze under hazardous conditions.
Emergency services described the scene in Ruffy as resembling the aftermath of an explosion, with charred remains of structures scattered across what was once the township’s main street.
Authorities confirmed the blaze began as part of a much larger fire near Longwood and was driven by extreme heat, strong winds and dry lightning strikes that have sparked multiple fires across the region.
In aerial assessments, response teams identified at least ten properties in Ruffy that have been completely destroyed, including private residences and a school that served as a gathering place for the local community.
Firefighters on the ground have been working tirelessly to hold back the flames, but dangerous terrain, shifting winds and high temperatures have repeatedly hampered efforts to gain control.
Officials say the conditions have been so severe that access into parts of the affected area remains too perilous for crews to safely enter and conduct full assessments.
Among those affected was a member of a Country Fire Authority crew who sustained serious burns to his hands while battling the inferno and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Local police confirmed that a man, a woman and a child were last seen outside a home that was later consumed by fire, and efforts are underway to determine their whereabouts as firefighters continue to search areas that are still too hot to reach.
Emergency Management teams said the three people may be alive and urged family and friends to remain hopeful, while emphasising that the situation is rapidly evolving and still dangerous for those attempting to search for missing persons.
A Town Overrun by Fire
Residents in Ruffy and surrounding districts were given evacuation orders as the blaze intensified, with authorities imploring people to prioritise their safety over defending property under such extreme conditions.
Officials stressed that the ferocity of the fire made it impossible in many cases for residents to return to their properties or even access them, as roads and entire blocks remained impassable.
Locals who managed to escape described the fire’s speed as terrifying, saying flames moved through paddocks and streets within minutes, leaving little time to react.
Several residents said they could hear gas bottles exploding and structures collapsing as the fire swept through, reinforcing descriptions of the blaze hitting the town “like a bomb.”
Emergency Response Under Extreme Conditions
Victorian authorities declared catastrophic fire danger for a number of regions, the first such warning since the devastating 2019–20 bushfire season, with forecasts showing continued extreme heat and volatile winds.
In response to the unfolding crisis, emergency services issued repeated alerts urging people in high-risk zones to leave immediately or, if evacuation was no longer possible, to shelter in place and protect themselves as best they could.
The severe fire conditions triggered widespread power outages affecting thousands of homes, disrupting communications and adding further strain to residents already grappling with the disaster.
Fire commanders said some of the most dangerous moments occurred when wind changes caused flames to surge suddenly, forcing crews to retreat for their own safety.
Recovery, Loss, and Ongoing Threats
Community leaders and volunteers mobilised where safe to do so, organising relief efforts for displaced residents and providing temporary accommodation for families who lost their homes.
Councils in the affected regions opened support centres to help residents access emergency relief payments, mental health services and practical assistance.
Farmers in the surrounding countryside reported devastating losses, including livestock, fencing and equipment, raising concerns about long-term economic impacts on the region.
Authorities warned that lightning storms across Victoria had ignited dozens of additional fires, stretching emergency resources and keeping crews on high alert.
State officials reiterated that the situation remains unpredictable, urging residents to stay informed through official channels and prepare for further evacuation orders if conditions worsen.
As firefighters continue to battle the blazes and search for the missing, communities across Victoria are bracing for difficult days ahead, with recovery efforts set to begin only once the immediate danger has passed.
