Victoria fires: at least three homes destroyed as authorities warn towns still under threat

A Country Fire Authority team at a fire near Raglan in western Victoria. At least three homes have been destroyed by the fires west of Ballarat. Photograph: James Ross/EPA

At least three homes have been confirmed destroyed by a bushfire in western Victoria, with fire authorities warning that some towns remain under threat.

There were fears that as many as 10 houses may have been claimed by the fire burning west of Ballarat, and “watch and act” warnings remain in place for Bayindeen, Chute, Elmhurst, Mount Lonarch and surrounds, Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) said.