At least five structures have been destroyed and more losses are expected as fires continue to rage Victoria during a total fire ban.
The largest fire is burning out of control through the Bunyip State Park towards the Princes Highway, about 65km east of Melbourne. More than 6000 hectares has burnt since starting from multiple lightning strikes on Friday.
"We are confirming there are three structure losses, it does appear that they could be homes," Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told reporters.
"This is an active fire, it is moving, and there is every likelihood there will be further property losses."
Labertouche is expected to be impacted by the fire by noon and about 30 homes were doorknocked and told to evacuate.
Four out-of-control bushfires are threatening lives and homes in Victoria's east as residents flee. (AAP) Source: AAP
Others in areas including Bunyip, Cornucopia, Garfield, Gentle Annie, Longwarry, Maryknoll, Nar Nar Goon, Tonimbuk and Tynong have been told it is too late to leave and take shelter immediately.
More than 800 firefighters are on the fire ground with 10 aircraft and 100 tankers.
Wild winds are making the fire fighting effort harder and because the fire has become so large, it's creating its own winds too.
Country Fire Authority assistant chief officer Trevor Owen said more lightning was also expected at the Bunyip fire on Sunday afternoon.
He said if people chose to stay and defend, they needed to be well prepared.
"Do not put your own life in danger and that of your family unless you are well prepared, adhere to the messages and advice," Mr Owen said.
Two homes were also lost in the Budgeree-Wilsons Promontory fires, incident controller for those blazes, Peter West, told the ABC.
"Unfortunately we've had confirmed two house losses with the fire and some unconfirmed reports about other assets," Mr West said.
Campers and daytrippers had to be evacuated from Wilsons Promontory.
There are also watch and act alerts out for fires at Dargo and Licola in Gippsland.
Fire Trucks stand by before deployment at a road closure checkpoint along the Princess freeway outside Pakenham Victoria, Sunday, March 3, 2019. Source: AAP
The Licola fire also started by lightning but the fire is currently travelling away from the township, Mr Crisp said.
A wind change is making its way across the state and will present new challenges for fire crews.
"It is a dangerous time, putting it bluntly. Not just for communities, but for firefighters, and we're very conscious of the safety of our firefighters and we will message in relation to that," Mr Crisp said.
There are more than 30 other fires still burning across Victoria.
The hot and windy conditions are expected to linger until Wednesday.
