Victorian communities remain in danger as out-of-control bushfires edge closer despite cooler temperatures and easing winds.
A fire in the state's southeast has prompted an emergency alert for Maiden Town, Walhalla and Western, with residents warned it was too late to leave.
"This fire has the potential to threaten homes and lives," the VicEmergency alert stated on Sunday evening.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive."
Several other fire warnings remain in place across the state.
A blaze at Hepburn as the state continues to be ravaged by fires. Source: Wayne Rigg
Thunderstorm activity in the state's east overnight could change the fire conditions.
Southerly winds are expected to sweep Victoria on Monday, bringing temperatures in the state's north to the low 30s while thunderstorms may still pack a punch in the east.
"Storms will still be a risk with showers with southerly winds and some erratic winds (in the east)," Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Peter Newham told AAP.
But the cool change will take longer to reach northeastern parts of the state.
Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp said about 1000 firefighters are battling the scores of fires across the state, along with "significant resources".
"They will do what they need to keep our community safe," Mr Crisp said.
Andrew Crisp, Emergency Management Commissioner (centre) addresses the media at the State Control Centre, Melbourne. Source: AAP
Homes south of Gillingill are also being threatened by a bushfire near the Victorian town of Timbarra in East Gippsland.
Authorities say firefighters have been unable to stop the fire, which has crossed containment lines and residents should leave now.
Firefighters are also battling volatile conditions in central Victoria with about 70 homes close to Hepburn and Hepburn Springs under threat from fires.
Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones are expected to cross some parts of the east of the state as thunderstorms strike late Sunday.
Fire crews battle bushfires across the state. Source: SBS
"Our priority is protecting life, and then it is about protecting assets," Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp.
"We knew (Sunday) was going to be a tough day for us as a state for our firefighters and our emergency services and that is the way it is panning out."
While firefighters are working to protect property, lives are their priority, he said.
The fire has also prompted a watch and act message for various areas Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Eganstown, Elevated Plains, Kidds Gully, Porcupine Ridge and Shepherds Flat.
Hot, dry conditions and temperatures soared into the 40s prompting a total fire ban across the state and severe fire danger forecasts in the Mallee, Wimmera, South West and Central districts.
More than 1000 firefighters are working on the fires burning across the state with the long-running Timbarra blaze, scorching 15,500 hectares since January 16.
"It's now up to Victorians to exercise good judgment and common sense so that they're ready as well," Premier Daniel Andrews said.
