November 19, 2007 12:17pm
Article from: AAP

VICTORIAN firefighters are bracing themselves for worsening conditions
as seven fires burn across the state.

An extreme fire warning for the Mallee and Wimmera in Victoria's
northwest has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, as resources are
stepped up to fight two major fires in the region, Department of
Sustainability and Environment (DSE) spokesman John Lloyd said.

A 14,000ha fire is burning in Little Desert National Park, 20km
southwest of Dimboola.

"The fire is contained within the park. There was some spotting activity
into private property on the northern boundary but it was quickly
contained by DSE and CFA (Country Fire Authority) fire crews," Mr Lloyd
said.

Another fire has burned 2000ha in the Flora and Fauna Reserve at
Lascelles-Wathe, north of Hopetoun, in Victoria's northwest.

However, fire crews were consolidating control lines in the reserve, Mr
Lloyd said.

The conditions are expected to worsen as stronger winds hit western
Victoria later today.

The mercury is expected to exceed 40C in the state's northwest.

Afternoon showers and storms are predicted for the state's eastern
ranges, while inland Victoria remains hot and dry.

Three out-of-control fires are burning near the Victoria-New South Wales
border in east Gippsland, but are not threatening property.