MELBOURNE — Authorities in Australia’s southeastern Victoria state issued evacuation orders on Saturday for residents in several towns as bushfires raged nearby, Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) issued "leave now" and "watch and act" warnings for communities in the western and southwestern districts of Victoria, as emergency crews struggled to control the blazes.

The CFA reported an "out-of-control" bushfire located approximately 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) south of Ballarat city, advancing southward.

Residents in the affected areas were urged that "leaving now" was the safest option, with authorities warning against returning home if they were away.

The CFA emphasized the urgency of evacuating, stating, "Conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay."

The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for extreme fire danger across much of southern and eastern Australia on Saturday, forecasting strong winds through the evening.

State Control Centre spokesperson Luke Hegarty advised that all of Victoria remain alert. In response to the dangerous conditions, authorities declared a total fire ban in northwest Victoria and issued a statewide alert.

Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday, with heavy rain forecast to bring relief to the region. — Agencies