At least one home has been destroyed by fire and holiday makers evacuated from popular tourist spots along the Great Ocean Road, as out-of-control bushfires rage in western Victoria.
Some 80 bushfires and grassfires ignited in hot conditions on Saturday and hundreds of firefighters are racing to contain two that are burning out of control.
One is at Kadnook near the border with South Australia and the other is threatening communities along the Great Ocean Road, a major tourist drawcard in the state's southwest.
Authorities evacuated campers and hikers from Otway National Park as they closed walking tracks close to the attraction, which shut for about six hours overnight over concerns about smoke and fire.
People in Great Ocean Road towns have been told to evacuate as bushfires burn out of control. Source: AAP / Tracey Nearmy
"Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly," an alert from the Vic Emergency website states.
"Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
"By choosing to stay, you and your family may be at risk of serious injury or death."
At least one home has been destroyed as out-of-control bushfires rage. Source: AAP / Supplied
The fire is ripping through rough terrain so water bombing aircraft were used to attack the flames, which CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said had destroyed 1000 hectares at a private bluegum plantation.
"(It is) quite undulating country, which will be challenging for firefighters to be able to get in there and get containment around it," he told reporters at the State Control Centre on Sunday.
The cool change has kicked in but there is now a concern lighting and strong winds could flare fire conditions.
Authorities evacuated campers and hikers from Otway National Park as they closed walking tracks. Source: AAP / Tracey Nearmy
"It's definitely concerning that we have seen lightning through that part of the state where we have obviously seen fire conditions already, and with the elevated westerly winds this afternoon it is going to pose an impact," Senior Meteorologist Keris Arndt said.
There were more than 200 requests for assistance to the State Emergency Service in the 24 hours to 10am on Sunday, including about 70 in Shepparton in central Victoria related to trees and powerlines down in storms.
