Homes razed, livestock dead in Vic fires

Rural areas in southwest Victoria are preparing to rebuild after fires tore through homes and farms.

Homes have been lost and residents are fleeing as fires burn in Victoria's southwest. (AAP)

VICTORIA'S BUSHFIRES AT A GLANCE

* Rural areas of Terang, Camperdown, and Cobden are worst hit

* Up to 18 homes lost, plus 42 dairy and machinery sheds

* Dead livestock expected to run into the thousands

* A quarter of the 40,000 hectares burnt are dairy farms

* About 1300 properties have lost power

* Fires began on Saturday, exacerbated by warm weather and wind, with gusts peaking at 109 km/h on Sunday

* Lightning is the likely cause of the fires, but Premier Daniel Andrews says police are investigating

* The state and federal governments will provide personal hardship payments of about $1900 per household.