Fires are burning out of control across multiple states as the south-east braces for a week of volatile weather.
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Some residents in Victoria's east Gippsland region have been told to shelter in place on October 3 after a fire at Briagolong more than tripled in size overnight.
The now 17,000 hectare blaze was fanned by wind gusts of 80km/h and is threatening communities at Stockdale, Iguana Creek and Glenaladale as it moves south-east.
A nearby fire at Loch Sport on the coast is also threatening lives and properties with residents there and at Seacombe also warned it is too late to leave.
Meanwhile on Flinders Island north-east of Tasmania an out of control blaze is threatening West End Road and the communities of Pine Scrub, Leeka and Boat Harbour on October 3.
Residents have been told not to return with crews expecting volatile conditions throughout the day.
In NSW more than 80 fires are burning statewide including 16 which haven't been contained.
Extreme and high fire danger is forecast across the state with hot, and gusty conditions.
Total fire bans are in place for the Greater Sydney Region, Greater Hunter, Far South Coast, Northern Slopes, North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains and Central Ranges.
And warnings for damaging wind gusts of 90 to 100km/h have been issued for the Snowy Mountains, South Coast and southern ACT from the late morning.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The hot and gusty weather in the south-east is set to be replaced with showers and possible thunderstorms as a strong cold front moves across south-eastern Australia on October 3.
Flood watches have been issued for eastern Victoria and south-east NSW with rainfall totals between 50 to 100mm possible.
Severe thunderstorms are possible on October 4 with a rain band extending from southern Queensland, through NSW and into Victoria - the heaviest falls are expected in eastern Victoria and south-east NSW.
Eastern parts of Victoria and south-east NSW are expected to record up to 150mm of rain by Friday, when the weather is forecast to improve.
Stay informed of weather warnings at bom.gov.au
Use multiple sources to stay up-to-date on fire emergencies including NSW's Fires Near Me, VicEmergency and TasAlert, local media and emergency apps.
