Vic bushfire near Benloch downgraded

Emergency warnings have been downgraded to "watch and act" for a 4000-hectare bushfire in the Benloch area in Victoria.

The Country Fire Authority downgraded the blaze shortly before 9am on Thursday, 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.

The fire started as a planned burn, but got out of control.

Firefighters continued to work throughout Wednesday night, using bulldozers to create a track around the fire's perimeter.

Emergency Management Victoria expects conditions to be milder on Thursday, with variable winds.

"Property owners in fire-affected areas need to stay alert in case conditions change," the emergency warning said on Thursday.

Community meetings will be held at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute in Lancefield at 11am and 8pm.