An emergency warning has been issued as a massive bushfire intensifies in west Victoria.
Residents in Mafeking and Watgania are urged to leave immediately as an out-of-control fire in the Grampians is threatening lives.
“Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay,” VicEmergency said in its warning.
The bushfire is travelling from the Grampians National Park in a north-easterly direction towards Mt William.
VicEmergency said the fire activity has increased as a result of wind changes.
A relief centre has been established at Alexandra Oval Community Centre in Ararat.
The bushfire has burnt through 17,000 hectares since it started on Wednesday.
An earlier warning for Loch, St Helier, The Gurdies, and Woodleigh has been downgraded to “monitor conditions as they change”.
An earlier warning for Bullengarook, Bullengarook East, Gisborne, Lerderderg and Macedon has also been downgraded to “monitor conditions as they change”.
“These fires are spreading and we need everybody to activate their plan,” state response controller Gary Cook said.
“If you haven’t got the VicEmergency app, download it, stay in touch, listen to local radio broadcasters.
“Keep well informed of what’s going on around you.”
There are 11 fires burning across the state as of about 9pm.