Human Remains Found Near Vehicle as Australia’s Bushfires Continue to Rage

Human remains have been discovered near a vehicle in Longwood, about 70 miles north of Melbourne, as severe bushfires continue to devastate parts of southeastern Australia.

Police said the victim has yet to be identified. The discovery comes amid a series of intense blazes that have destroyed buildings, cut electricity to thousands of homes and scorched vast areas of bushland over recent days.

The fires, fueled by a summer heatwave, have burned more than 860,000 acres across Victoria state since midweek. More than 300 structures, including homes, have been destroyed, leaving many communities without power.

Authorities have described the current situation as the most severe fire emergency in the region since the “Black Summer” bushfires of 2019 and 2020, which killed 33 people and burned an area comparable in size to Turkey.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said more than 30 fires were actively burning across the state. In neighbouring New South Wales, including areas near the Victorian border, several fires were burning at the highest danger rating, according to the Rural Fire Service.

Fire officials warned that it could take weeks to bring the blazes under control. Rural Fire Service chief officer said firefighters were bracing for worsening conditions as hot, dry and windy weather returns.

“These fires will not be contained before it gets hot, dry and windy again,” he told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government would provide emergency financial support to residents affected by the bushfires as firefighting efforts continue.