A raging bushfire in western Victoria has prompted an emergency warning, with residents told to evacuate immediately.
Forest Fire Management Victoria issued the warning for Chetwynd and Connewirricoo, as a blaze burns at Casterton-Edenhope Road in Kadnook.
Winds are forecast to be southwesterly and reach between 20 to 30 kilometres about 8pm to 10pm tonight.
An emergency relief centre has opened in Edenhope at the community centre on Elizabeth Street.
Residents in the area have been advised to evacuate now with their pets, medications, mobile phones and chargers.
Anyone unable to leave is advised to shelter indoors in a room with two exits and close all doors, windows, vents and cooling systems.
They should take shelter before the fire arrives.
“The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you,” Forest Fire Management Victoria warns.
“If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.”
Anyone unable to take shelter indoors should shelter in a large open area like a ploughed paddock or in a body of water.
