CAMPERS have been told to leave as firefighters try to control a bushfire in a state forest east of Melbourne.
A CFA spokesman said 20 firefighters were working on the out-of-control fire near Aberfeldy in Gippsland.
Campers and other visitors in the Aberfeldy area, as well as north of Walhalla, are being advised to leave immediately.
The CFA spokesman said he did not know if there were campers in the area as the blaze burns in 80ha of state forest.
"Our warning is because there are camping grounds out there," he said.
About 8000 firefighters are on standby across Victoria as temperatures soar into the 40s in some areas.
There is a severe fire danger rating and total fire bans for the Wimmera, central, north central and southwest districts on Thursday, while the CFA warns of a very high danger level for the remainder of the state.
A total fire ban has also been declared for the West and South Gippsland, north east, northern country and East Gippsland districts tomorrow.
A State Control Centre spokeswoman urged people to be aware of weather conditions and stay updated on fire information through the CFA website, phone application and local radio.
A grassfire at Lancaster, north of Melbourne, has been controlled.
The Kentbruck fire in the state's southwest continues to burn in 11,964ha but it has been under control for some days.
Motorists are advised to drive carefully around the area with people warned to stay clear due to hazardous trees falling unexpectedly, a CFA spokesman said.
An underground peat fire at Cabbage Tree Creek near Cann River in the state's east also remains under control and monitored.
