Bushfire property losses top 700 ahead of ‘spike day’

LATEST SITUATION ON FOREST FIRE IN THE VICTORIAN PERIOD:

* 11 major fires burning as of Wednesday afternoon

* 10 watch and act alerts

* 19 advisory alerts

* More than 700 structures were destroyed or significantly damaged, including more than 450 outbuildings

* 228 houses were destroyed, 15 houses were damaged

* The number of houses destroyed in the Ravenswood and Harcourt fire increased from 51 to 54

* While 90 houses were destroyed in the Longwood fire, 143 houses were destroyed

* The number of people destroyed in the Walwa fire increased from four to nine

* Grass Plain and Natimuk fire was taken under control

* Streatham fire expected to be under control later Wednesday

* In some areas it is still very unsafe for residents to return to assess damage

* Farmers caught in Longwood fire to get feed from the air

* Teams in fire areas carry out backburning and build containment lines

*Another “rise day” is expected around January 23 or 24

* The highest fire danger in Victoria is expected to occur in February

NEW SUPPORT FOR FOREST FIRE-HIT COMMUNITIES:

* $15 million to establish Community Rescue Workers and Recovery Centers

* $16 million for households affected by long-term power outages

* An initial $40 million grant of up to $75,000 will be provided to eligible primary producers to help cover cleanup and rebuilding costs

* Another $10 million in concessional loans to assist primary producers

* Nearly $12 million to help councils repair vital community assets and services

* More than $4 million to provide financial advice

Sources: Victorian government, Emergency Management Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Bushfire Management Victoria