Victorian firefighters battle to control major blaze ahead of 'catastrophic' conditions

About 900 firefighters continue to fight a blaze burning out of control in Victoria's west as they brace for another week of tough conditions.

Authorities hold grave concerns for the looming conditions, with temperatures forecast to reach "catastrophic" levels this week.

The large bushfire burning near Ballarat has already claimed six homes

For the latest advice and warnings, visit Vic Emergency website

Fires continue to burn

Firefighters managed to slow the fire's spread throughout yesterday afternoon and overnight.

A Watch and Act alert remained in place on Monday for Amphitheatre, Bayindeen, Ben Nevis, Chute, Elmhurst, Eversley, Glenlogie, Glenpatrick, Mount Cole, Mount Lonarch, Main Lead, Waterloo and Raglan.

Residents have been told it's not safe to return and that conditions could change quickly.

Firefighters have been trying to tackle the blaze between Raglan and Mount Cole.

The fire tore through Evrill Morgan's property at Raglan.

"It's been pretty worrying, really, quite worrying," Morgan told 9News.

"The old house that I lost was built in 1887, something like that. So, it's been there all this time and now, you know, it's gone, completely gone."

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Extreme fire danger ahead

With the fire having already burnt through 20,000 hectares, firefighters plan to construct control lines today and tomorrow ahead of dangerous conditions.

Crews are hoping to contain the 17,500-hectare blaze before Wednesday, which is predicted to potentially be the worst day for bushfire weather conditions Victoria has seen since 2020.

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Firefighter Paul Bates, from Ballarat ICC, said crews were using aerial images to plot a plan.

"Wednesday is looking like it will be a really hot, windy day and communities in the area really need to take notice," Bates said.

"If you plan to leave, you need to leave on Tuesday."

Temperatures in the mid-40 degree range are forecast for mid-west Victoria this week, with the possibility of strong, hot winds, and dry lightning.

The Wimmera will fall under a "catastrophic" fire rating on Wednesday, while most of the state should prepare for "extreme" conditions.

The North East, West and South Gippsland areas will see a "high fire rating".

East Gippsland is the only region to fall under a "moderate" rating.