Rural Victorian bushfire burns 50ha

An out-of-control bushfire has burned 50 hectares in rural Victoria but emergency warnings have been downgraded for a nearby town.

Spot fires and embers were reported near Devon North, Devon and Calrossie on Tuesday and residents were told to leave immediately.

But firefighters battling the Gippsland blaze expect it to be under control by midnight.

Cooler weather conditions and lighter winds have helped slow the spread of the fire.

Firefighters are building containment lines to protect houses and will be working and patrolling the area throughout the night.

A total fire ban is in place for large parts of western and northwestern Victoria and the ban has been extended into Wednesday.