A small town in Victoria's far west remains under threat from a fast-moving bushfire, but there are hopes a coming wind change could avert the danger.
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A spokeswoman for the Department of Environment and Primary Industries said 80 firefighters and 23 trucks were at the blaze, which was spreading southwards towards the town of Narrawong, near Portland.
The fire has spread from forest to private property but a gradual wind change between 10pm to 2am – from a north-westerly to south-westerly – could divert the fire away from Narrawong.
The fire has burned out 600ha but no people have been injured and no property damaged. Bulldozers and four firefighting aircraft were brought in during daylight.
The DEPI spokeswoman said text message and landline calls had been sent to local residents and police had doorknocked houses at risk to the north of Narrawong, urging them that leaving was the safest option.
Earlier, firefighters warned residents in the vicinity of Blackers Road, Devlins Road, Beavis Road, Brabender Lane, Kerrabrae Road and Angelino Road to evacuate.
"Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous. Emergency Services may not be able to help if you decide to stay," the DEPI warning said.
Locals were advised to travel to family or friends' homes away from the warning area, or to a relief centre set up at Portland Civic Centre in Bentinck Street, Portland.
Roads were closed, including Golf Course Road, Meaghers Road, Woolwash Road, Tower Road, and Boyers Road north of Goodes Road.
A community meeting was held at Narrawong Hall at 7pm and a second meeting was to be held at Portland Civic Centre at 8.30pm.
For more information, go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au, or tune to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or Sky News TV. Or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667.
