Wildfires in Victoria have torn through large parts of the Australian state in recent days, prompting evacuations, widespread power outages, and the closure of hundreds of schools as emergency crews battle dozens of active fire fronts. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, warning that dangerous conditions could keep fires burning for weeks.
At least one person has died and around 300 buildings have been destroyed as fires spread across south-east Australia, with Victoria bearing the brunt of the damage. According to state officials, about 350,000 hectares had burned by Sunday morning. Communities across northern and central parts of the state have been urged to leave, as hot, dry, and windy weather continues to drive extreme fire behaviour.
In the middle of this unfolding crisis, a Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 9 January 2026 captures the scale of destruction south of the town of Longwood in northern Victoria. The satellite view reveals vast dark burn scars where vegetation has already been consumed, while active fire fronts stand out in bright red tones, highlighting areas where flames were still advancing at the time of acquisition.
Copernicus Sentinel-2 data plays a crucial role during wildfire emergencies by supporting near-real-time mapping of burned areas and damage assessment. These satellite observations help emergency services understand fire spread, identify threatened communities, and plan both immediate response and longer-term recovery efforts.
As thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft continue to work across Victoria, authorities stress that the situation remains highly volatile. With extreme weather forecast to persist, satellite monitoring will remain a key tool for tracking fire activity and supporting decisions on the ground.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
