Residents in the bushfire risk areas of Ampitheatre, Beaufort, Clunes, Elmhurst, Learmonth, Lexton and surrounds are being urged to leave their homes by tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Wednesday has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban in the Central district, with temperatures rising past the mid 30’s and gusty winds of 60 to 80 kilometres forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology.
VicEmergency say the Bayindeen fire could grow significantly and may become uncontrollable.
They say if you do not leave today, you may become isolated and your route to safer locations may be blocked.
Residents can go to relief centres at Alexandra Oval in Ararat or Princes Park Reserve in Maryborough or move to a built-up area like Ballarat or another city outside the potential impact area.
For more information on what to take or if your home may be affected, click here.