Victoria bushfires: officials warn against visiting fire‑affected zones

Officials report major bushfires have burned more than 350,000 hectares in Victoria, and leaders have warned people not to enter fire‑impacted areas.

Major bushfires have swept through parts of Victoria, and officials report they have burned more than 350,000 hectares in recent days. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and emergency management authorities have criticised people entering fire‑affected towns to view the damage and called for those areas to be left to emergency services and residents. Several large blazes remain at emergency warning level and authorities say conditions can still change quickly as winds shift. The federal and state governments announced a $19.5 million relief package to assist affected communities. Key facts: - Officials reported more than 350,000 hectares burned and reported over 300 structures destroyed. - Three major blazes remained at emergency warning level and about 15 emergency warnings were active across the state. - Premier Jacinta Allan and Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Weibusch said visitors had entered restricted fire‑impacted zones, and authorities have intercepted some unwanted visitors and warned people to stay away. - A joint $19.5 million Commonwealth‑State relief package was announced, with funds described for farmers, recovery support workers, temporary accommodation and a recovery hotline. Summary: The fires continue to threaten communities and conditions remain volatile as winds may shift. Authorities have declared a state of disaster for multiple local government areas and announced relief funding; further developments are undetermined at this time.