Homes and properties remain under threat as multiple out-of-control bushfires continue to burn in the Bunyip State Park.
Scores of firefighters are currently battling the raging fires, many of which are one to two kilometres from houses, caused by multiple lightning strikes.
Up to 13 appliances are still battling a blaze near Helmet Track, which has scorched around 413 hectares of land.
Over 25 hectares of land has been burnt by an uncontrollable fire near Burgess Road in the State Park.
Two bushfires on Sawmill Lane, Tynong North are not yet under control. Six CFA appliances are currently responding to one of the blazes, deemed ‘medium’ in size by Vic Emergency.
The size of the other fire has not yet been discerned.
Another fire is active on Bridal Road, Tonimbuk, which is also medium in size.
An emergency warning has been issued for Cornucopia, Garfield North, Maryknoll, Tonimbuk and Tynong North; residents are advised to make no attempt to leave and take shelter indoors.
On Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road, six vehicles are responding to a medium-sized bushfire which has not yet been contained.
Closer to Gembrook, a number of bushfires are burning; in Kirth Kiln a blaze covering .10 hectares is not under control, as well as another just off Gembrook-Launching Place Road, which ignited around 5.05pm.
A bushfire on Gembrook-Launching Place Road was declared safe at 9.21pm.
A Watch and Act message has been issued for Beenak, Gembrook and Whites Corner.
Night bombings will take place to try and contain the fires.
“Tonight’s conditions are going to be dry and hot,” a CFA spokesperson said.
“It’s not going to cool down a lot overnight, and winds are expected to be light to moderate, travelling in a north to north-easterly direction.
“The fires are in hilly terrain, making it difficult for firefighters and aircraft to stop the spread.
“Those in the emergency warning areas are urged to stay informed; don’t put your phones on silent.”
According to the CFA, a “swirling” wind is also occurring in the area, making the fire difficult to predict.
A relief centre has been opened at the Pakenham Hall, corner of John and Henry Street. A community meeting will also be held there on Saturday.
Horse owners can also seek refuge at a number of local pony clubs, including Bunyip and Randall Park.
Warnings have also been issued for surrounding communities, including Avonsleigh, Basan Corner, Beenak, Bunyip, Bunyip North, Cockatoo, Dewhurst, Emerald, Fielder, Garfield, Garfield North, Gilderoy, Gentle Annie, Gladysdale, Hoddles Creek, Iona, Labertouche, Longwarry, Longwarry North, Macclesfield, Mount Burnett, Nangana, Nar Nar Goon, Nar Nar Goon North, Pakenham, Pakenham Upper, Powelltown, St Benedicts, Three Bridges, Tims Corner, Tonimbuk, Tynong, Wright and Yellingbo.
