A scorching heatwave that swept through the region yesterday has intensified the strain on multiple wildfires statewide.

Officials have raised alarms about a rapidly expanding bushfire near Carlisle River, which has surged overnight and is now perilously close, just one kilometer from Gellibrand.

The fire is advancing eastward from the western edge of Gellibrand, posing a direct threat to the town.

Residents in both Gellibrand and Carlisle River are urged to seek shelter without delay.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” cautioned an urgent warning from Fire Forest Management Victoria.

“If you have not left, the safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.”

Residents in Barongarook West, Carlisle River, Gellibrand, Irrewillipe and Irrewillipe East were urged to evacuate last night as the fire moved in a southerly direction.

Aircraft and emergency response crews spent the night trying to quell the spread of the fire.

There are several other watch and act warnings in place across Victoria, including for fires burning at Walwa in the state’s north-east, and at Dargo in Gippsland.

The mercury surpassed 38 degrees in both Melbourne and the south-west of the state yesterday, while temperatures soared into the 40s in the Mallee region. 

While the south-west coast is expected to receive a reprieve from the heat today, temperatures in northern Victoria will continue to soar.

A Total Fire Ban has been declared today for the Northern Country, North Central, North East and East Gippsland districts.

An extreme fire danger rating is in place for the North East.