Victoria, Australia, is facing a severe crisis as wildfires rage across the state amid soaring temperatures. One person has died, and thousands of homes have lost power due to the widespread fires.

Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed in a press conference that a 60-year-old man died on Friday afternoon near the town of Harcourt, about 110 kilometers northwest of Melbourne. The death was related to the fire area but was not directly caused by the flames.

Three people reported missing near Longwood, located 120 kilometers north of Melbourne, were found safe on Friday. One of the missing individuals had lost their home in one of the state’s most destructive fires.

Local firefighting teams reported that three firefighters were injured while battling the flames. Allan stated that by Saturday morning, major fires were active at 10 locations, with authorities closely monitoring 20 additional sites.

On Friday, fires were recorded in 200 locations across Victoria, triggered primarily by temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Officials estimate that more than 300,000 hectares have been burned, and about 38,000 homes and businesses are without electricity.

Although temperatures dropped on Saturday, strong winds have raised concerns about the continued spread of the fires. Emergency management officials revealed that at least 120 buildings have been destroyed, and significant animal losses have been reported.

The state government has declared a disaster situation in 19 areas, granting authorities the power to control movement, evacuate residents, and take possession of private properties to aid firefighting efforts.