DISRUPTIONS to phone networks across south west Victoria are not affecting the control of a huge bushfire near Casterton.

Authorities have told Weekly Times Now they are working to establish alternatives to landline public information lines to the CFA and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

DSE regional controller Andrew Morrow said he was aware of phone outages caused by a Telstra exchange fire in Warrnambool but no residences were threatened by the fire burning in state forest west of Casterton today.
 
Firefighters in the area still have full mobile phone and radio coverage.
 
"The main issues are network issues such as updating information and maps on the computer network.  We'll do that remotely," Mr Morrow said.

He said firefighters had started moving to establish tracks around the fire area which when completed would encompass about 4400ha.

A peat swamp burning on the southern edge of the fire and other swamps will need monitoring.

About 100ha of a blue gum plantation has been burnt out near the fire.

Firefighters were hopeful of containing the fire tonight, Mr Morrow said.