A total of 53 homes have been lost and hundreds are in danger as an out-of-control bushfire continues to burn through tourist towns along Victoria's surf coast.
As Lorne, Allenvale, North Lorne and Cumberland River residents continue to evacuate their homes, the CFA says it is too late for people to leave Wye River, Separation Creek, Kennett River and Grey River if they have not already done so.
"You are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately," the CFA warns.
Residents should seek shelter in the Apollo Bay Leisure Centre or the Torquay Relief Centre.
A State Control Centre spokeswoman confirmed 53 homes had been lost in Wye River and Separation Creek, and the number was expected to rise.
There are at least 300 firefighters on the ground in the region battling the blazes, but they are being hampered by the rough terrain they often have to work in.
Incident controller Mark Gunning said fire crews will be challenged by an expected wind change, which will push the fire in a northeasterly direction towards Lorne.
"If this fire impacts on Lorne, it is a huge risk," he told AAP.
"We've been very lucky with no fatalities or injuries reported today."
Victoria's Fire Commissioner Craig Lapsley said fire has surrounded the southern part of Wye River, burning several properties.
"There has been significant impact on properties in Separation Creek and Wye River ... and there is concern that the fire can come back again," he told ABC radio yesterday.
Mr Lapsley said as the wind change pushes the blaze towards Lorne, there is a risk the town will be coated in smoke, which carries embers and debris.
"There will be an embers attack on Lorne," he warned.
The onset of darkness will also pose problems, with crews losing fire-bombing aircraft because of safety reasons.
The fire will also look much closer in the dark, Mr Lapsley says, making for a "very scary sight".
"The fire will stand out in the darkness and look like it's right on top of you," he told ABC.
However, rain and cooler conditions are expected to follow the wind change and will provide some assistance with fighting the 2000-hectare Jamieson Track blaze.
The Bureau of Meteorology's duty forecaster Richard Carlyon said five to 15mm of rain should fall overnight, providing some much needed relief for fire crews.
"The weather will be more predictable tomorrow, and hopefully with some rain overnight, conditions should be much easier than Friday for firefighters," he said.
