Victorians are bracing for some of the worst fire conditions in five years with dozens fleeing their homes and others warned about out-of-control blazes that may flare up during the night.
Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley warns that everyone should keep their mobile phones close to them while they sleep in case emergency warnings are sent out.
Several extended heatwaves, followed by the current high temperatures, have pushed the state's fire danger rating to extreme in six districts, he said.
Temperatures are also forecast to remain above 30 degrees overnight, meaning firefighters won't see a lull in fire activity before temperatures rise again on Sunday morning.
"Anywhere in Victoria, fires will run and they will run hard," Mr Lapsley told reporters at the state control centre.
"They will be furious. They will be fast. They will be out of control and people need to be very aware of that."
He said the hot weather is then going to be further bolstered by a strong and gusty Sunday afternoon wind change.
"If there are fires, they have the potential to run during the night, and that's something that isn't necessarily familiar to most Victorians."
Fires burning in remote bushland in far East Gippsland have also sparked an evacuation warning, with many of the 60 residents of Goongerah and Martins Creek deciding to listen to the advice and leave early.
Fire authorities warned that Goongerah will likely be hit by fire within 24 hours and emergency services crews may not be able to help residents who remain in their homes.
Several fires near the Snowy River National Park have also triggered an emergency warning for the communities of Buchan, Buchan South and Sunny Point.
"Spot fires and ember attacks may impact the Buchan area from dawn Sunday," the Country Fire Authority (CFA) said in a statement.
Four other fires prompted watch and act alerts on Saturday night, including one for residents of Hernes Oak, near Moe.
Officials said a possible overnight thunderstorm, followed by the forecast wind change, could push the fire further into the area.
Fire danger ratings on Sunday are rated as extreme, one level below code red-catastrophic, in the following districts: Central, North Central, Northern Country, North East, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland.
The rest of the state is listed as a very high or severe fire danger rating.
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