Homes razed, cattle killed as fires continue to burn across Victoria

Thousands of firefighters are battling multiple out-of-control bushfires across Victoria after overnight winds worsened conditions across the state.

Three fires are burning at emergency-level: the catastrophic Longwood fire in central Victoria, the fire in Walwa in the state's north-east and a fire in the Carlisle River in the Otways around the Great Ocean Road.

Dozens of people have lost their homes, with about 300 structures destroyed, and cattle and wildlife have been killed and injured, including at an animal sanctuary.

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Conditions are expected to ease tomorrow, but warnings remain.

"Many of these major fires will continue to burn for days if not weeks," Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said during a press conference yesterday.

Sheer scale of Longwood fire

About 15,000 responders have been on the ground fighting dozens of separate fires across Victoria.

Some are much larger than others and three are at emergency level.

The Longwood fire, which is still burning out of control, has a perimeter of around 400 kilometres.

Firefighters are still battling to contain the monster blaze, which is threatening multiple townships in the state's north.

READ MORE: Residents 'shattered' after losing family relics in bushfire

There are several take shelter warnings in place for communities impacted.

The township of Ruffy had numerous properties and the town's 150-year-old school decimated by the Longwood Fire.

Ten fires remain of great concern, premier says

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said there are 10 major fire zones that are of particular concern to authorities.

An "enormous" amount of resources has been deployed to these areas, Allan said.

READ MORE: 'It was too late': Firefighter loses home while defending neighbouring properties

Harcourt fire now around 80 per cent contained

The devastating Harcourt fire, which has reduced multiple homes to rubble, is now mostly contained.

"To give you a sense of the enormous work that's been done in just a 24-hour period, the Harcourt fire ground is around 80 per cent contained," Allan said.

"Which is just a remarkable effort given this time yesterday it was a very hot and active fire."

The fire swept through Harcourt on Friday afternoon, with its speed catching locals by surprise.

$19.5m fire support package announced

The federal and state governments will offer a $19.5 million package to support those who have been impacted by the fires.

"The package has been shaped by what we've been hearing on the ground over the last couple of days, and it's why it focuses on the personal hardship payments, emergency accommodation and also support for livestock as well," Allan said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the jointly funded package will provide urgent financial help to primary producers who have lost a significant amount of livestock.

"It's estimated that thousands of heads of cattle are likely to have been impacted and in need of urgent attention and care," he said.

Impacted residents who have been injured or lost homes will also be eligible for a one-off disaster recovery immediate payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child.

"My message to Victorians is pretty simple: We've got your back, not just during this crisis but through the recovery as well," Albanese said.

"We'll work cooperatively with the government to make sure we deliver what is necessary so that people and communities can get back on their feet after what has been a very difficult period."

The Insurance Council of Australia has declared a significant event.

That means it will work with government and agencies to understand impacts on locals and ensure affected residents receive assistance.

READ MORE: 'It was too late': Brigade commander loses home while defending neighbouring properties

Emergency relief assistance extended

Allan said the community is grieving as she declared a state of disaster across Victoria.

The primary reason for the declaration was to allow more powers for emergency workers to force evacuations and keep people out of danger areas.

"This has been with one single purpose, protecting and saving Victorian lives," Allan said in a press conference on Saturday morning.

It also opens up more support payments for those in need, with anyone in a fire zone now eligible.

"This will not be the end of the assistance for those fire-affected communities, as those impact assessments continue, we know there is a long recovery journey ahead," Allan said.

Fresh fire ban issued

A fresh fire ban has been issued for a large part of Victoria for tomorrow.

It covers the north-east and north central districts.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the ban had been declared due to the fires still burning.

"Despite conditions easing we still need to mitigate all the risk we can so our focus can stay on the fires we already have in these districts," he said.

Wildlife sanctuary destroyed by fire

A fundraiser has raised over $200k after a veteran wildlife rescuer lost her home and sanctuary.

Dr Robyn Coy ran Tarcombe Wildlife Shelter which has been destroyed in the Longwood fire, about two hours from Melbourne.

The 69-year-old was only able to save a dog and a handful of other animals.

"She saved what she could with her bare hands and her own body. She would have stayed.

"She would have died with them if her brothers had not physically come and taken her away," the page reads.

A GoFundMe has been launched.

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