UPDATE: FIREFIGHTERS are working to strengthen containment lines around a bushfire the size of 30,000 MCG playing fields in Gippsland.

The Aberfeldy-Donnelys bushfire has burnt more than 59,000ha and the front is 225km long.

CFA Agency Commander Joe Buffone said firefighters were working to strengthen containment lines today before the return of bad fire conditions on Thursday.

"The heat and wind both increase considerably on Thursday and will continue late into the night across most of the state," he said in a statement.

"Temperatures will be in the mid to high 30's right across the state and we know that grassland and forests are now very dry and ready to burn – the conditions are ripe for fires."

Mr Buffone said Total Fire Bans may be called for a number of regions for Thursday and possible Friday.

"Obviously the Aberfeldy-Donnellys fire continues to be our main concern ahead of the return to bad conditions but other fires can easily start and spread quickly so we need the community to prepare and avoid activities that could start fires," he said.

A State Control Centre spokesman this morning told Weekly Times Now overnight 225 firefighters, 51 tankers and 41 bulldozers continued the fire fight.

He said the CFA's main concern in the region was north of the Baw Baw National Park.

He also noted the fire was burning 15km from Licola and said the town was not under threat.

An increase in temperature is tipped to fuel the fire activity across the area and crews are back burning an 180ha area 5km south of Glenmaggie.
The blaze has killed one man who was found in a burnt-out car and destroyed at least 21 homes.

The spokesman said smoke from the fires had been carried hundreds of kilometres.

Today community sessions have been organised.

Street walks and talks will be held in Glenmaggie South from 10am to 1pm and Glenmaggie North from 2-4pm.

A community meeting with all emergency agencies and the Department of Human Services will be held at the Boisdale Hall from 7.30pm.

Tomorrow a meeting will be held at the Coongulla Hall from 5.30pm and the Briagolong Hall at 7.30pm.

A meeting on Wednesday will be held at the Stratford Hall from 7.30pm.

Roads in Seaton, Glenmaggie and Heyfield have re-opened to local traffic and essential services.

There is restricted access to Licola Rd, from Licola to Heyfield, to allow residents, relief services, council and VicRoads access to Licola. People need to supply evidence/proof of occupancy within the area at the road block at the intersection of Licola Rd and Kellehers Rd or obtain a permit from the Heyfield Incident Control Centre at 1 Firebrace Rd.