Lightning sparks fresh Vic blazes
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Firefighters are struggling to contain several fires that are burning throughout Victoria. (ABC News)
Lightning storms have sparked numerous blazes across Victoria, with six new fires sparked near Yea, north of Melbourne.
Fires have also started south of Deddick, north-west of Orbost in east Gippsland and south-east of Nojee in west Gippsland.
The 450 hectare fire near Elaine, south of Ballarat, is spreading in steep territory to the east and firefighters are struggling to contain it.
Crews will continue to work on the fire overnight and Country Fire Service spokesman Gary Weir says the cool change meant firefighters had to work in strong, unpredictable winds.
"It was a very big afternoon with the cool change that came through. It definitely tested us, however we've had a good outcome," he said.
This afternoon 200 firefighters managed to contain a grass fire near the Dromana drive-in on the Mornington Penninsula. The 48 hectare blaze destroyed a barn before it was brought under control.
Meanwhile, SES crews are mopping up after severe storms and what some people described as isolated mini-tornados, that swept across the state this afternoon.
Three cars were crushed when 50 trees came down at the Acheron caravan park, north-east of Melbourne and seven caravans were destroyed.
At Nagambie, a dozen vans were destroyed in the town's caravan park. No injuries were reported but the SES answered around 150 calls.
Nagambie Councillor Rhonda Richards says hundreds of trees have been destroyed.
"All along the highway from the south end of town, until probably about two kilometres before you get to the middle of town, all the trees along the highway are as though someone's twisted them in half," she said.
