Thousands of firefighters are battling intense bushfires in Australia's Victoria state, exacerbated by a severe heatwave. Over 130 structures, including homes, have been destroyed, and 38,000 residences and businesses are without power. The fires have burned over 300,000 hectares, with authorities warning they could take weeks to contain. This event is being compared to the devastating 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the extreme fire danger and expressed solidarity with affected communities.