Homes in Victoria's west are still under threat as an emergency-level bushfire continues to burn through thousands of hectares.
Residents in Bayindeen, Chute, Elmhurst, Mount Lonarch and surrounds, near Ballarat, are being told to leave immediately as more than 1000 firefighters battle a massive bushfire, which has torn through over 15,000 hectares.
Three homes have been confirmed to be lost this morning, with dozens more in harm's way. Firefighters are still waiting to asses other structures in the area.
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Chief Fire Officer of Forest Fire Management Chris Hardman said hundreds of firefighters would be working hard today to try and stop the spread of the flames.
"What people really do need to know this is a big fire," he told Weekend Today.
"More than 500 firefighters will be on these fires today, working really hard to contain those fires and stop the spread.
"And we are very hopeful with more benign weather conditions today, that we will see some significant improvement.
"There are still many structures to be assessed that have been looked at from aerial intelligence gathering."
Two bushfires are burning at Watch and Act levels this morning.
Residents in Amphitheatre, Avoca, Crowlands, Elmhurst, Eversley, Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Green Hill Creek, Landsborough, Nowhere Creek, Percydale, Warrenmang have been told it is not safe to return, as a bushfire burns out of control.
Homes in Main Lead, Middle Creek, Raglan and Waterloo are also under threat, as a bushfire burns out of control.
Residents have been told it is not safe to return.
Hardman said extreme heat will cause further problems for firefighters on Wednesday, and they are working to contain the bushfire before then.
