THREE hundred and twenty-seven fires have broken out in Victoria in the past 36 hours, according to the CFA.
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Almost 50 of those were overnight Friday, as temperatures soared to almost 40 degrees – with even hotter weather to come.
VicRoads has urged people not to travel to regional Victoria on Saturday unless "absolutely essential".
"We ask motorists take a few precautions if a journey is required, or at least be safer during your trip," a VicRoads spokesperson said.
"Check your vehicle to make sure it is mechanically sound. Ensure you have plenty of water and a well charged mobile phone for emergencies."
The Grampians, Mallee, Wimmera and Daylesford regions were listed as most at risk of fire. A total fire ban has been declared across the state.
On Friday, a massive grassfire near Moyston, west of Ararat, destroyed one home and threatened others.
In Ballarat, Nerrina residents were evacuated close to midnight after a scrub fire on the Western Freeway which was thought to have been deliberately lit.
VicRoads has advised drivers to tune into Radio 774 to keep up to date with fire emergency warnings and traffic alerts.
People are encouraged to visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au for the latest fire information.
With The Age