Bushfires rages out-of-control Victoria’s southwest

An out-of-control bushfire in Victoria's southwest has prompted a warning for the area.

Alvie, Dreeite South and Wool Wool are under the warning as the fire continues to burn on Reads Road in Dreeite South.

The fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction towards Pearlys Road, emergency services said. 

For the most up-to-date information on the bushfire emergency, click here.

An earlier emergency warning for the Wanwin and Mumbannar areas of Victoria have since been downgraded to a watch and act.

Fire crews are still trying to tackle a blaze 17km west of Dartmoor that is not yet under control.

The CFA has encouraged residents to avoid driving in the affected areas or, if they decide to stay with their homes, to seek shelter indoors and to monitor the conditions outdoors for any increased risk level. 

The blaze comes as a heatwave stretched across southeastern Australia today, prompting further bushfire warnings in South Australia and Victoria.

Total Fire Bans have been issued in nine districts of South Australia and across western Victoria today, where fire danger ratings are expected to reach severe.

This afternoon, the NSW Rural Fire Service also issued a Total Fire Ban for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Central Ranges, North Western and Northern Slopes regions of the state for tomorrow with further hot and windy conditions predicted.

The threat level in each of the five regions has been listed as "Severe", with authorities urging residents to prepare themselves effectively and remain vigilant.