A series of fast-moving bushfires burning across southeast Australia have killed one person, destroyed more than 300 buildings, and forced emergency evacuations as authorities warn the crisis could last for weeks.
The fires have burned for several days across dozens of locations, largely in Victoria but also affecting parts of New South Wales near the border.
More than 350,000 hectares have burned in Victoria alone, an area nearly twice the size of Greater London.
Hot, dry, and windy conditions have fueled the blazes, complicating efforts to contain them.
Victoria declared a state of emergency as thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft were deployed to battle the fires.
Officials said more than 30 active fires were burning statewide, with at least 10 considered of particular concern.
Residents in more than a dozen communities were advised to leave their homes as fires threatened properties and infrastructure.
Premier Jacinta Allan said authorities were preparing for a prolonged fight.
"We will see fires continue for some time across the state and that is why we are not through the worst of this by a long way," she said.
A total fire ban was put in place across Victoria as conditions deteriorated.
Chris Hardman, chief fire officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria, said crews may struggle for weeks to gain control.
"These fires will not be contained before it gets hot, dry and windy again," he said.
Police confirmed that human remains were found near the village of Gobur, close to the town of Longwood, north of Melbourne.
The victim has not yet been identified, and authorities said the recovery was challenging for emergency workers.
Bushfires have also cut power to thousands of homes and burned vineyards and agricultural land.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government would provide emergency funding to affected residents and farmers.
He warned that thousands of head of cattle were likely impacted, adding pressure to rural communities.
Bushfire smoke has degraded air quality across much of Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne.
Officials described the fires as the worst to hit southeast Australia since the 2019–2020 Black Summer blazes.
While scientists caution that individual fires cannot be directly attributed to climate change, they say warming conditions are making severe fire weather more common.