Emergency warning over bushfires

EMERGENCY WARNINGS: These locations are in immediate danger, act now to protect yourself.

- A fast moving bushfire is moving north-easterly towards Benloch, Nulla Vale and Pastoria East.

-The fire that started at Tallarook is moving in the direction of King Parrot Creek Road, Kerrisdale.

-The fire may also affect areas such as Qamby Road, Wentworth Road, Fairview Road and King Parrot Creek Road between Richard's Bridge and Goulburn Valley Highway.

Homes at Calder Park in Melbourne's north west also came under threat from a fast moving grass fire, thought to have been deliberately lit.

If you are stuck in any of these areas the safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.

One home has been destroyed in an out of control fire near Lancefield in central Victoria.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) warned that other homes and properties were in ‘immediate danger’ from the blaze.

The blaze started as a controlled burn but has since jumped to containment lines, consuming about 3000 hectares across Victoria.

Emergency Management Commissioner, Craig Laplsey, said they "have not experienced this type of temperatures or wind speeds for the first week of October in the history of Victoria."

EARLIER: The CFA said yesterday that more than 650 firefighters had battled more than 600 fires.

An emergency warning was downgraded on Tuesday night to ‘watch and act’ status for a fire at Kerrisdale and a relief centre has been opened at Seymour Aquatic Centre.

A relief centre was opened for people affected by fires at Gisborne Community Centre to provide basic support services such as food, blankets and first aid.

Pets and animals were welcome at centres as long as they are contained.

The Woodend Pony Club has opened to look after livestock.

State response controller Peter Rau told ABC News on Tuesday that the bushfire threat had come early.

"Clearly we've had a very, very challenging day across the state, with over 200 fires actively burning at some stage during the day," he said.

Yesterday there were more than 100 fires across Victoria as heat approached 40 degrees in some areas.

The blaze is the worst of several fires that have swept across the state in an unprecedented start to spring.

Lancefield residents were earlier today advised to leave their homes as the Country Fire Authority (CFA) tried to control the threat.

A big air tanker plane has now arrived from Sydney to help fight it.

There is a fast moving and out of control bushfire in the Cobaw area.

A wind change is currently causing the fire to head easterly and north-easterly towards Benloch and Nullavale.

Residents accessing property from Burke & Wills Track between Lancefield- Toobrurac Rd and Baynton Rd are advised to seek shelter.

The fire is currently impacting houses on Ashworths Rd, Musk Gully Rd, Whalans Track and Greenways Rd.

Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley says the blaze was a controlled burn on public land set last Wednesday by the department of environment, which jumped containment lines in hot, blustery conditions on Saturday.

A cool change has brought new challenges for fire crews, following a day of scorching temperatures and fierce winds.

Emergency warnings are also in place for fires near Mildura, Nar Nar Goon and others in Calder Park and Strath Creek.

The CFA reported this afternoon that Lancefield, which is of the most concern currently, was one of 200 fires, 64 of which were ongoing around 4pm, being addressed.