Another big day yesterday and also overnight for Australian fire crews as bushfires got underway again under a blazing sun with very high temperatures.

Across the west of Victoria, two large fires were burning out of control yesterday and overnight joined up to what is now a massive front.

It’s not just the rural areas suffering but it’s also impinging on the outskirts of Victoria’s capital. One home has been destroyed and another damaged in out-of-control grassfires in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Two other significant Victorian fires continue to challenge firefighters, at Harrietville in the northeast, and at Dargo in Gippsland.

Around 1000 firefighters, 240 vehicles and 60 aircraft were battling the big fire with the aid of personnel from other parts.

Support teams from New Zealand and NSW arrived on Friday, with more help from three interstate strike teams arriving on Wednesday.

Temperatures are set to drop today over much of the state from yesterday’s highs however it is likely to be shortlived. 
Western Australia will start to see the mercury rise today with the mid to high thirties expected over the next two to three days.

WeatherWatch.co.nz