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2025–26 Australian bushfire season

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2025–26 Australian bushfire season
LocationAustralia
Impacts
Deaths5[a]
Non-fatal injuries1
Structures destroyed959 approximately
Ignition
Cause
  • Substantial fuel loads
  • Record high temperatures
  • Climate change
  • dry lightning
  • arson
  • Record-breaking heat[2]
Season

The 2025–26 Australian bushfire season[e] is the current bushfire season in Australia. As of 11 January 2026, five people have died.

Seasonal outlooks

[edit]

Spring

[edit]

On 27 August 2025, the AFAC released its bushfire outlook for the coming spring. The organisation predicted an increased risk for fire in parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, the Murraylands in South Australia, and southwestern and central Victoria.[3]

Summer

[edit]

The AFAC released its summer bushfire outlook on 27 November 2025, noting a heightened risk of bushfires in parts of Western Australia, central northern New South Wales, and southwestern and central Victoria. Communities across Australia were advised to be vigilant, even in areas identified as having a "normal risk" of fires.[4] After damaging bushfires occurred on the New South Wales Central Coast and the Tasmanian East Coast, the AFAC and the Tasmania Fire Service further stressed the potential for fires during the summer.[5][6]

New South Wales

[edit]

On 6 December, over 50 bushfires were burning across NSW by the afternoon.[7] A fire at Koolewong reached emergency level with initial reports of 12 homes lost.[7] A fire at Bulahdelah saw up to 4 homes destroyed and over 4643 hectares burn.[7][8][9] Another fire at Milsons Gully in the upper Hunter saw over 15117 hectares burn[10] and reached emergency level.[7] On 7 December authorities confirmed that 16 homes were destroyed, 9 homes were damaged, and 7 outbuildings were destroyed in Koolewong while in Bulahdelah 4 homes were destroyed.[11] On 7 December a firefighter working for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service was doing bushfire prevention in Nerong and was killed by a falling tree.[12] The state government also activated disaster recovery support in six local government areas, with the Lake Macquarie LGA being added on 9 December.[13][14] New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated that it was a "foreboding beginning" to the fire season.[15]

Koolewong fire

[edit]

At around 12:40pm on 6 December, a bushfire started in a park area in Koolewong, quickly spiraling out of control.[16] By 2:30pm, media reports revealed the fire had destroyed at least six homes,[17] later being upgraded to 12, and by 8 December, 16 houses had been destroyed.[18] The fire led to the cancellation of train services on the Central Coast Line between Gosford and Hawkesbury River.[17] The Central Coast Council established a bushfire recovery program for residents, including the delivery of skip bins and waivers of development application fees, and will continue to work with impacted residents.[19]

South Australia

[edit]

On 23 November a Country Fire Service firefighter died while attending to a scrub fire at Pinkawillinie Conservation Park in South Australia.[20]

On 18 January a fire at Tooperang believed to be sparked by a vehicle destroyed 2 homes and a motorhome, and burnt 600 hectares.[21]

Tasmania

[edit]

On 4 December, over 30 fires had been reported in Tasmania, with three reaching an emergency level; Dolphin Sands, Levendale and Glenlusk.[22] An evacuation centre was opened at Swansea town hall.[23] By 6 December, the Dolphin Sands fire still remained uncontained with 19 houses or shacks, 15 outbuildings and 4 vehicles damaged or destroyed but with assessments still ongoing and residents who evacuated told not to return.[22] On 7 December authorities confirmed that 19 homes had been destroyed, and 14 more damaged in Dolphin Sands.[24] On 15 December, fire authorities confirmed that the Dolphin sands fire was resulted from a registered burn which was not properly extinguished by the landowner.[25]

On 9 December a fire began near Diana's Basin that elevated to emergency warning for communities including Stieglitz, Parkside and Parnella near St Helens on the east coast of Tasmania.[26] The next day structures including at least 2 houses had been reported to have been destroyed in Stieglitz, and emergency warnings continued.[26][27] Hundreds of people fled to an evacuation centre set up at Break O'Day Community Stadium, while people were reported to have stayed overnight at the Stieglitz boat ramp as a last resort.[27]

Victoria

[edit]

On 4 December a fire broke out near Markwood, south-east of Wangaratta, reaching 370 hectares (910 acres) before it was contained.[28] On December 6 authorities confirmed that at least two homes and four outbuildings were destroyed.[29]

Smoke from 5 major out of control bushfires in Victoria

On 18 December a fire broke out north of Benalla, with emergency warnings issued to leave now, fire crews declared the fire as out of control.[30]

On 7-9 January, a combination of extreme heatwave and strong winds created an environment conducive to catastrophic fire development in the state, with the 9th forecast to experience catastrophic fire danger in three districts (Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central districts) and extreme fire danger in the rest of the state,[31] with resultant fires leading to road closures and property losses.[32]

On 7 January a grass fire broke out just south of Stuart Mill, with fire conditions extreme a watch and act warning was put it place telling residents to prepare to evacuate.[33]

After the 9 January fires, premier Jacinta Allan declared a state of disaster, spanning 18 local government areas, as well as an alpine resort, allowing authorities additional powers to manage the fires.[34] As of 10 January 2026, it is estimated that over 300 structures have been destroyed and over 300,000 hectares (740,000 acres) of bushland have been burned.[35][36] The premier announced plans to request a formal review of the fires led by an independent body, after pressure for a response on the state’s bushfire preparedness and Country Fire Authorities resources.[37]

Skipton fire

[edit]

On 9 January, the rural communities around Skipton were impacted by a significant bushfire that burned through grassland and agricultural land. Emergency services issued *Watch and Act* warnings for Carranballac, Stoneleigh and the rural areas surrounding Skipton, advising residents that the fire was contained but it was not yet safe to return due to ongoing hazards such as fallen trees and damaged infrastructure.[38] The fire resulted in the destruction of multiple properties between Streatham and Skipton, and extensive livestock losses in the surrounding agricultural regions.[39] Weeks after the event, locals described the fire as devastating, with approximately a dozen homes destroyed and significant impacts to community infrastructure and farmlands.[40]

Harcourt fire

[edit]

On 9 January, a bushfire ignited near Fogartys Gap Road in Ravenswood South, south of Bendigo, and spread towards the town of Harcourt under extreme heat and strong winds.[41] Emergency warnings were issued for Harcourt and surrounding areas, with residents advised to leave immediately as the fire approached the township.[42]

The fire caused widespread damage within and around Harcourt, destroying dozens of homes and other structures and damaging key local infrastructure, including coolstores and agricultural facilities.[43] Firefighting efforts involved more than 100 crews supported by aircraft, with authorities warning that it remained unsafe for residents to return for several days due to ongoing fire activity, falling trees and damaged powerlines.[44]

Natimuk grassfire

[edit]

On 9 January 2026, a large grassfire ignited at Telfers Road, Grass Flat at 12:43 pm.[45] At approximately 1:09 pm, residents of Natimuk were advised to leave following the issuance of a Watch and Act warning. An Emergency Warning was issued around 30 minutes later as the fire began impacting the township.

A wind change at about 2:00 pm caused the fire to spread eastward towards Horsham, prompting multiple emergency warnings for areas west of the city, including Vectis.[46] Fire spread was slowed by approximately 8:00 pm as conditions moderated. The fire resulted in the destruction of more than 20 structures in the towns of Natimuk and Quantong, along with widespread damage to farmland and infrastructure across the western Wimmera region.[47]

Fire spread was slowed by approximately 8:00 pm as conditions eased and firefighting efforts continued overnight.[48] The fire resulted in the destruction of more than 20 structures in the towns of Natimuk and Quantong, with significant impacts to farmland and infrastructure across the western Wimmera region.[48]

Out of control bushfires burning in the Otway's
Out of control bushfires burning in the Otway's

Gellibrand fire

[edit]

On 25 January a Bushfire in the Otways National Park broke Containment lines due to extreme heat. On 26 January Evacuation warnings were sent out to the towns of Gellibrand, Forrest, Beech Forest were told to evacuate. On 27 January the township of Gellibrand were told its too late to leave with the bushfire rapidly approaching the town.

On 28 January conditions eased and crews were able to slow the spread of the fire, all evacuation orders were lifted with the last remaining watch and act being in place, with residents told its not safe to return as of 29 January.

At least 16 structures have been accounted as destroyed as of 29 January.[49]

Longwood fire

[edit]
Burn scar of the Longwood fire, visible on satellite imagery

On 7 January, a large bushfire broke out at Longwood. More than 53 trucks have been sent to fight the fire, along with five aircraft performing water drops. Residents of the township of Ruffy were told to 'leave now' as the township was expected to be hit within the next 2-4 hours.[50]

On 8 January, residents of Alexandra, Eildon, Jamieson, Lake Eildon and Yea were told to prepare to leave with weather conditions expected to reach a catastrophic level on 9 January. The ABC reported that a residential property in Ruffy, east of Seymour and within the large Longwood fire zone, has been destroyed.[51] That day, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan noted that the Longwood fire had the potential to develop pyrocumulonimbus clouds and produce dry lightning. Heffernan also stated that the fire was unable to be contained at the time.[52]

On 9 January, it was reported that at least 20 buildings were destroyed in the town of Ruffy.[53] A local firefighter sustained third-degree burns while fighting the bushfire, requiring hospitalisation. Three people, including a child, were initially reported missing in the Longwood East area as a result of the fire, but have all since been found in Benalla.[54] As of 27 January 2026, the Longwood fire has burned over 140,000 hectares.[50]

On 11 January, human remains were found near a vehicle at Gobur, southeast of Ruffy, marking the first death from the Longwood fire.[55]

Smoke from Walwa fire creating Pyrocumulonimbus clouds

By 18 January the toll of the Victorian fires in 2026 was approximately 900 structures destroyed including 338 homes destroyed, more than 15000 livestock lost, more than 400,000 hectares burnt and 1 person killed.[1][56]

Walwa fire

[edit]
Burn scar from Walwa fire

During late January 2026, the Walwa fire burned across parts of north-eastern Victoria as part of a series of major bushfires in the state. The blaze remained out of control amid a prolonged heatwave and elevated fire danger ratings.[57] Emergency services issued warnings as conditions deteriorated, including "leave immediately" and "watch and act" messages for communities in the Nariel Valley and surrounding areas due to potential fire spread.[58] The fire was one of several major blazes that authorities reported were not yet under control during the peak of the 2025–26 bushfire season, contributing to widespread evacuations and fire danger across the state.[59]


Western Australia

[edit]

On 1 December, a death was attributed to a fire at West River, with a man who was creating a firebreak with a front-end loader killed after the vehicle was engulfed in flames.[60] This fire would go onto burn approximately 300 hectares of farmland.[60]

On 11 December two bushfires on the outskirts of Perth elevated to emergency level.[61] Kenwick, Wattle Grove, Maddington and Beckenham were under warning by the Kenwick fire in Perth’s south-east, while Bullsbrook and Upper Swan were under warning by the Bullsbrook fire in Perth’s north-east.[61][62]

On 17 December a 34-year-old farmer helping fire crews fight a fire in Mindarabin died while driving along Old Ongerup Road after a tree fell on his vehicle and crushed the cab.[63]

On Christmas day (25 December), residents of Boddington were forced to evacuate after a nearby fire, which reached Emergency Warning level, quadrupled in size under challenging weather conditions and extreme heat.[64] The fire was downgraded to a Watch and Act the next day.[65]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Death total by state: New South Wales: 1, South Australia: 1, Western Australia: 2, Victoria: 1
  2. ^ Homes total by state: New South Wales: 20, South Australia: 2, Tasmania: 21 & Victoria: 340
  3. ^ Outbuildings total by state: New South Wales: 7 & Victoria: 4
  4. ^ Total by state: Victoria: Approximately 562 (900-(338 homes))
  5. ^ Bushfires in Australia can occur all year-round. For what "season" means, see seasonality of bushfires in Australia.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Guardian Australia (16 January 2026). "See how Victoria's bushfires spread: a visual guide to the scale of devastation". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
  2. ^ Miles, Daniel (27 January 2026). "Victorian maximum temperature record broken as heatwave engulfs Australia". ABC. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Spring 2025". www.afac.com.au. Archived from the original on 28 August 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  4. ^ "Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Summer 2025". www.afac.com.au. AFAC. 27 November 2025. Archived from the original on 27 November 2025. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  5. ^ Cassidy, Caitlin (13 December 2025). "'We're all rattled': early season fires spook towns across Australia, even if it's not black summer conditions – yet". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 13 December 2025.
  6. ^ "Tasmania's bushfire danger arrived suddenly. Here's how to prepare". ABC News. 10 December 2025. Archived from the original on 15 December 2025. Retrieved 13 December 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d Burke, Kelly (6 December 2025). "Dozens of homes destroyed as more than 50 bushfires burn across NSW". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  8. ^ Shannon Corvo (6 December 2025). "Up to 16 homes lost in Bulahdelah and Koolewong fires in NSW". ABC News. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  9. ^ "Major Fire Updates Advice: Pacific Hwy Fire, Bulahdelah (Mid Coast LGA) – Monitor Conditions 09/12/2025 08:58". www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Archived from the original on 9 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  10. ^ "Major Fire Update Advice: Milsons Gully Fire (Upper Hunter LGA) - Monitor Conditions 13/12/2025 09:30". www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Archived from the original on 12 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  11. ^ Paulina Vidal & Shannon Corvo (7 December 2025). "Number of homes destroyed in NSW bushfires rises to at least 20 as recovery efforts begin". ABC News. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  12. ^ Bruce MacKenzie (8 December 2025). "NPWS firefighter killed by falling tree during bushfire prevention work at Nerong". ABC News. Archived from the original on 7 December 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  13. ^ "Natural disaster declarations made for six LGAs following NSW Bushfires". NSW Government - NSW Reconstruction Authority. 7 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  14. ^ "Natural Disaster Declaration for Lake Macquarie LGA following bushfires". NSW Government - NSW Reconstruction Authority. 9 December 2025. Archived from the original on 11 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  15. ^ Buckley, Penry; Visser, Nick (8 December 2025). "'The ultimate sacrifice': NSW firefighter killed by falling tree during 'foreboding' start to bushfire season". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  16. ^ "20 homes now confirmed lost in NSW bushfires". ABC News. 6 December 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  17. ^ a b "Extreme fire danger in parts of NSW as heatwave spreads — as it happened". ABC News. 5 December 2025. Archived from the original on 15 January 2026. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  18. ^ "This couple were prepared for bushfires. They lost everything". ABC News. 7 December 2025. Archived from the original on 12 January 2026. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  19. ^ "Council steps up to help bushfire victims". Central Coast News. 11 December 2025. Archived from the original on 12 December 2025. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
  20. ^ Daniel Keane (24 November 2025). "CFS firefighter Peter Curtis dies at scene of Eyre Peninsula blaze". ABC News. Archived from the original on 12 December 2025. Retrieved 13 December 2025.
  21. ^ Daniel Keane; Sophie Holder; Sophie Holder; Josephine Lim (19 January 2025). "Homes lost as Tooperang fire rips through scrub south of Adelaide". ABC News. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
  22. ^ a b "Dolphin Sands bushfire remains uncontained as battle enters third day". pulsetasmania.com.au/. 6 December 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  23. ^ "Dolphin Sands Road to reopen to locals after devastating bushfire". pulsetasmania.com.au/. 9 December 2025. Archived from the original on 28 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  24. ^ "33 homes damaged as Dolphin Sands bushfire threat continues". pulsetasmania.com.au/. 7 December 2025. Archived from the original on 28 December 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  25. ^ "Bushfire caused by burn-off not extinguished properly". ABC News. 15 December 2025. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  26. ^ a b "Structures destroyed, residents evacuated as bushfire burns near St Helens". pulsetasmania.com.au/. 10 December 2025. Archived from the original on 28 December 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  27. ^ a b Bec Pridham (10 December 2025). "Houses destroyed in bushfire near St Helens as 'hundreds' flee to evacuation centre". ABC News. Archived from the original on 9 December 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  28. ^ Zimmermann, Bailey. "Markwood fire contained, several properties lost". Wangaratta Chronicle. Archived from the original on 5 December 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  29. ^ Erin Somerville (6 December 2025). "Residents still unable to return home as north-east Victoria bushfire continues". ABC News. Archived from the original on 7 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  30. ^ "Grassfire not yet under control | Residents told to shelter indoors now". Benalla Ensign. 18 December 2025. Archived from the original on 18 December 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  31. ^ "Hottest day in years recorded as bushfire warnings remain". ABC News. 7 January 2026. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  32. ^ "Campsites closed, properties lost as bushfires burn out of control in Victoria". ABC News. 7 January 2026. Archived from the original on 7 January 2026. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  33. ^ "Grass Fire | Watch & Act - Grass Fire - Prepare to Evacuate". ABC News. 7 January 2026. Retrieved 7 January 2026.
  34. ^ "State of disaster declared in Victoria as out-of-control fires continue to burn". ABC News. 9 January 2026. Archived from the original on 10 January 2026. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  35. ^ Cassidy, Caitlin (10 January 2026). "More than 100 buildings destroyed and 300,000 hectares burned as Victoria's bushfires rage". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  36. ^ "Live: Out-of-control bushfires burning in Vic as Australia braces for more heat". ABC News. 10 January 2026. Archived from the original on 11 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  37. ^ "Premier announces review into Victoria's disastrous bushfires". ABC News. 15 January 2026. Archived from the original on 15 January 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  38. ^ "Watch and Act: Fire – Moderate". VicEmergency. 12 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  39. ^ "Victoria fires: Skipton & Streatham communities rally". The Courier. 11 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  40. ^ "ABC Statewide Drive is on the ground in Skipton". ABC Ballarat & South West Victoria (Facebook). Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  41. ^ "Residents flee as bushfire threatens Harcourt". ABC News. 9 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  42. ^ "Emergency Warning – Bushfire – Harcourt". VicEmergency. 9 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  43. ^ "Harcourt bushfire leaves trail of destruction as residents return". ABC News. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  44. ^ "Victoria bushfires: Crews battle fires near Harcourt amid extreme conditions". ABC News. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  45. ^ Davis, Jess; Lim, Alex; Lauder, Jo; Rimrod, Fran (16 January 2026). "Natimuk fire offers a glimpse into a new kind of bushfire fuelled by our changing climate". ABC News. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  46. ^ "Horsham and surrounds at risk from Natimuk grassfire". VicEmergency. 9 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  47. ^ "Natimuk didn't expect this to hit us like it did as town counts losses". ABC News. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  48. ^ a b "Natimuk didn't expect this to hit us like it did as town counts losses". ABC News. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  49. ^ "At least 16 structures lost in Otways fire, no tap water in Gellibrand". ABC News. 28 January 2026. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  50. ^ a b "Live: Emergency warnings issued for Victorian fires as heatwave sweeps southern Australia". ABC News. 6 January 2026. Archived from the original on 7 January 2026. Retrieved 7 January 2026.
  51. ^ "Live: Fire-fuelled thunderstorms form in north-east Victoria as residents urged to leave". ABC News. 7 January 2026. Archived from the original on 8 January 2026. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  52. ^ "'Some degree of losses': Fears homes destroyed as fires rage". www.9news.com.au. 8 January 2026. Archived from the original on 7 January 2026. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  53. ^ "Live: Town of Ruffy 'severely' impacted by bushfire, as thousands lose power across Victoria". ABC News. 8 January 2026. Archived from the original on 9 January 2026. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  54. ^ "More than 100 buildings destroyed and 300,000 hectares burned as Victoria's bushfires rage". The Guardian Australia. 9 January 2026. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  55. ^ Stock, Petra (11 January 2026). "One person dead as PM visits bushfire-ravaged towns with 300 structures destroyed and 350,000 hectares burned". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  56. ^ Chip Le Grand (19 January 2026). "Opposition vows to overhaul state's 'flawed' bushfire defences". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  57. ^ "Heat and fire danger to rise over long weekend". VicEmergency. 23 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  58. ^ "Extreme heat and Otways bushfires push Victoria into high alert". TA-NEA. 25 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  59. ^ "Six major fires burn across state as firefighters brace for wind change". ABC News. 27 January 2026. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  60. ^ a b "Sudden Death (Fire) - West River". www.wa.gov.au. Archived from the original on 28 December 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  61. ^ a b Australian Associated Press (11 December 2025). "Residents in several Perth suburbs evacuate amid bushfire posing 'threat to lives and homes'". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  62. ^ Kenith Png; ABC Staff (11 December 2025). "Emergency warnings issued for bushfires burning in Kenwick, Bullsbrook". ABC News. Archived from the original on 11 December 2025. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  63. ^ Rosemary Murphy (17 December 2025). "Falling tree kills farmer tackling blaze in Mindarabin, in WA's Great Southern". ABC News. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  64. ^ "Boddington locals urged to 'leave immediately' as fire approaches". ABC News. 25 December 2025. Archived from the original on 26 December 2025. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  65. ^ "Thousands of hectares burnt in WA bushfire, with winds set to escalate". ABC News. 26 December 2025. Archived from the original on 26 December 2025. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
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  • Media related to 2025–26 Australian bushfire season at Wikimedia Commons
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