Fanned by strong winds and unseasonally high temperatures, the fires have caused extensive damage, particularly in the southern coastal region of NSW and south-western Victoria.

More than 40,000ha of bush and farm land have been burnt in Victoria over the weekend and in NSW on the south coast, the town of Tathra has seen at least 40 houses and buildings destroyed or damaged by fire.

The fires around Terang in Victoria’s south-west, which include the towns of Gazette, Gnotuk and Garvoc, have destroyed at least 16 homes and there has also been considerable loss of plant and machinery as well as livestock. The area is well known for its dairying and livestock production.

Evacuation orders were issued for several areas in Victoria and Tathra in NSW over the weekend as wild winds drove the fires at uncontrollable speeds.

Ember attacks were mostly responsible for damage at Tathra and the flames throughout Victoria were blown by winds which at times were in excess of 100km/h.

At the time of going to press - no fatalities had been reported.