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Vic Gippsland inferno won't eventuate

Firefighters will be battling fires in Victoria's Gippsland for at least a week but authorities say the worst-case scenario will no longer eventuate.

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Source: AAP


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Authorities no longer fear fires burning in eastern Victoria will merge to form a 500,000-hectare inferno.

More than 30 fires sparked by lightning have been raging out of control in mostly remote bush in Gippsland amid predictions they could merge to create a single blaze covering more than half a million hectares.

Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said that worst-case scenario would not eventuate.

"It's not in that position and the weather will not allow it to be that big now," Mr Lapsley said on Saturday.

Fire crews would still be battling the Gippsland fires for at least seven to 10 days.

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"They're in remote bushlands and will take a large amount of specialist resources to bring them to a secure point where we're pleased that they won't travel any further," Mr Lapsley said.

State fire controller Alan Goodwin said there was "quite a bit" of fire activity overnight Friday around Club Terrace, in East Gippsland near Cann River and Orbost, as well as around Glenaladale in central Gippsland and Westbury.

The fire emergency affecting Club Terrace has eased, with an emergency warning lifted.


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