Victorian premier declares state of disaster in 18 areas as bushfire crisis continues

A man, woman and child remain unaccounted for, authorities say, but forecasters say conditions eased across the state on Friday nightFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastVictorian premier Jacinta Allan has declared a state of disaster in 18 local government areas as the state battles an escalating bushfire crisis that has destroyed at least 10 homes, prompted evacuations and razed more than 50,000 hectares of bushland.She said the declaration in the early hours of Saturday was in response to danger to life or property in the affected areas and “sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must”. Continue reading...