THE weather bureau says the hot weather in Victoria will continue.

A large pool of hot air across much of Australia is unlikely to move for quite some time, despite an overnight respite.

The forecast comes after Victoria sweltered through its hottest day in several years, keeping firefighters busy and causing the fire authority's website to crash as thousands of people sought information about blazes.

A 200-hectare fire in a pine plantation in the state's far south-west became the biggest concern for authorities, as across the state, more than 30 smaller fires kept fire crews busy.

The mercury topped 40 degrees in most areas, and Melbourne recorded almost 41 degrees, while Avalon near Geelong reaching 43 degrees.