Vic fire outlook dangerous despite rain

The long-term bushfire outlook for Victoria remains dangerous despite heavy rain, the emergency management commissioner says.

A woman gets caught out in a sudden downpour in Melbourne

Predicted rain is expected to help firefighters still battling blazes in rural Victoria. (AAP)

Heavy rain will not reduce Victoria's fire risk this summer and could even bring landslides, the emergency management commissioner says.

Severe storms and heavy rain have been forecast for the state, as crews continue to battle fires in northern and western areas.

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said even heavy rain at the weekend would not reduce the overall fire risk in late January and early February.

He said rain could actually make burnt areas more dangerous.

"The water will hit the ground, it will run different. It has the potential for landslides," Mr Lapsley said.

He said the rain would relieve some of the pressure for up to 10 days, but then fire danger ratings would worsen again.

He also warned people about entering fire zones where trees had not been made safe.

No fires threatened Victorian communities on Thursday night, as the surprise rain took some of the heat out of the summer.

"This time last year we were seeing a constant build-up of heat in central Australia - that seriously impacted on us in late January, early February," Mr Lapsley said.

A grassfire that threatened Kyneton on Wednesday night is under control, but residents have been told to stay alert.

Lightning caused fires in national parks near Mount Buller, but no towns were under threat.


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Source: AAP


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