Victorian residents told it’s too late to leave as raging bushfires continue

Emergency fire warnings have been issued for residents caught in the path of bushfires in Victoria as a wind change brings conditions fire authorities feared the most.

Communities near Maiden Town and Walhalla have been told it is too late to leave their homes and to take shelter indoors immediately.

A Forest Fire Management Victoria spokesman told Seven News fire crews were working to make sure the fire areas won’t increase in size.

“The fire is not yet contained so we’re working to consolidate the edge ahead of a wind change, and the focus now is making sure the fire does not grow in size,” he said.

Fire crews are attempting to set containment lines around the blazes where possible, but dry vegetation, difficult terrain and changes in conditions are making it challenging.

Warnings have been downgraded for homes near Hepburn, Dry Diggings and Elevated Plains and temperatures are expected to drop in the area.