'Angry' Victorian premier says bushfire victims will get compensation
At least two homes have been confirmed destroyed in this week's bushfires. (9NEWS)
Victorians who lost homes and property as the result of a planned burn that went awry will get compensation.
An "angry" Premier Daniel Andrews said an independent review would get to the bottom of how the planned burn was allowed to turn into a destructive bushfire.
"If there's compensation that needs to be paid - it will be paid. I probably can't be any clearer than that," Mr Andrews said.
Two houses have been confirmed destroyed so far in the Lancefield fire, which developed into an out-of-control bushfire on Tuesday after escaping containment lines over the weekend.
Furious residents demanded answers at a community meeting yesterday and the premier promised they would get them.
"They're right to be angry," he said.
"I'm angry too. I don't understand how this has happened, but we're going to get to the bottom of it."
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the government had to answer questions about whether enough staff were watching the fire when it escaped containment lines on AFL grand final Saturday.
Emergency warnings have been downgraded to "watch and act" for the 4000-hectare bushfire near Lancefield that was threatening the Benloch area this morning.
The Country Fire Authority downgraded the blaze shortly before 9am, but it is still not under control.
Residents in Baynton, Baynton East, Benloch, Emu Flat, Nulla Vale, Pastoria, Pastoria East and Sidonia are still being warned to be vigilant.
Emergency Management Victoria expects conditions to be milder today, with variable winds.
"Property owners in fire-affected areas need to stay alert in case conditions change," the emergency warning said.
Community meetings will be held at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute in Lancefield at 11am and 8pm.
Environment Minister Lisa Neville says an independent investigation into the Lancefield burn-off will begin next week.
It will be led by the director of Western Australia's Office of Bushfire Risk Management, Murray Carter, and all findings will be made public.
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