PREMIER Denis Napthine says the Government stands side by side with Victorians who lost their homes in yesterday's fires after revealing up to 20 structures may have been affected.
Authorities say at least one home has been destroyed in the suspicious blaze that swept through the west Victorian community of Dereel, about 100km west of Melbourne.
Touring the fire ground this morning, Dr Napthine paid tribute to combined CFA and MFB firefighters who contained the blaze after it burnt about 1300 hectares.
"My grateful thanks to all those involved in combating the fires yesterday," he said.
"It's obviously disappointing when people lose their home in a fire and the government stands shoulder to shoulder with them."
The police arson squad is investigating.
Sixty fire trucks are still involved in controlling the blaze as buildings continue to smoulder.
A house damaged by the fire in Dereel. Picture: Jon Hargest
The fire broke out just after 11.30am yesterday and spread rapidly to cover about 1300 hectares, causing residents to pack up and head for safety.
The CFA downgraded the fire to an advice message, warning residents to monitor conditions and check their bushfire survival plans.
Crews spent overnight strengthening containment lines.
Four firefighters who were injured when their firetruck slammed into a tree in thick smoke have been released from hospital with minor burns.
With the fire now contained, it is hoped authorities and residents will be able to return to the area to assess the damage.
A CFA strike team of more than 35 fire trucks and two aircraft battled the fire front that swept across the town of about 700 people.
At least four firefighters and one resident were injured, with paramedics reportedly treating more sufferers on the ground.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the firefighters suffered airway burns while battling the blaze and were transferred to Ballarat Base Hospital.
CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said the volunteer members were expected to be released overnight.
He said they were injured when their vehicle collided with a tree in thick smoke.
Mr Ferguson commended them for their quick-thinking actions to take shelter in their vehicle as the fire burnt around them.
An evacuation centre established in Rokewood was moved to the Linton Recreation Reserve in Linton as the fire roared through the area.
Dereel fire in progress. Picture: Channel 9
Fire broke out 2km from Robyn Miles' Ferrers Rd home.
The Dereel local was stuck at the evacuation centre overnight after police blocked access to her street.
"It did scare me, it's the closest I've come to losing my place," Ms Miles, 54, said.
"I didn't even know about it until my neighbour told me. I couldn't see or smell any smoke."
She said there were rumours a dozen homes were destroyed by the blaze. "If we find out it was arson ... " she said.
Ruth Uren, 67, said locals would want to rebuild.
"It's quite a bad fire for the area. It definitely took everybody by surprise but we're a strong community," Ms Uren said.
Overnight, a fire in Victoria's east was downgraded to watch and act after wind conditions eased.
It had been threatening the communities of Allambee South and Allambee East but just before midnight firefighters got the 510ha blaze under control.
- with AAP
Local resident Ruth Uren at a burnt-out house in Dereel. Picture: Hargest Jon
Local Dereel resident Robyn Miles talks about the bushfire. Picture: Hargest Jon
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