A total fire ban has been declared across all of Victoria on Boxing Day, as hot, dry and windy conditions threaten the state.
Authorities are bracing for extreme fire danger throughout Victoria, with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-40s on Boxing Day.
Strong winds of 70-80 km/h and gusts up to 100 km/h are also expected, ahead of a late westerly wind change moving into Friday morning.
Residents living in the town of Bullengarook, 14 kilometres west of Gisborne, are warned to monitor conditions for another blaze.
The fire started near Coffeys Road and is burning within the Wombat State Forest.
Firefighters have successfully controlled the fire, but they caution that the severe weather expected on Thursday could elevate the danger level. They advise residents to be ready to evacuate promptly to ensure their safety before conditions worsen.
Coffeys Road, Carrolls Lane and Waterloo Flat Road are closed.
Other fires with potential to grow on Boxing Day include blazes at Boollarra South, The Gurdies, Crewwick and Casterton-Edenhope Road.
Melbourne is forecast to have a high of 40 on Boxing Day, while Halls Gap is expecting 39, Mildura 43 and Horsham 42.
It’s estimated the region is losing about $2 million every day due to the ongoing crisis.
