COMMUNITIES southeast of Beechworth are bracing for ember attack as an out of control bushfire rages towards them.
Thousands of hectares of pine plantations and pockets of homes are under threat after a new fire spotted beyond the main Victoria fires.
Residents in the Shelley, Koetong and Darbyshire areas have been advised to activate their bushfire plans.
Some 200 firefighters are on the fireground tonight, building containment lines and protecting homes.
It is believed the fires may have interfered with a major interstate power line but fire authorities won't know until a further assessment is undertaken.
The fire, which started late on Saturday, has scorched 30,000 hectares and is moving in a northeasterly direction.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) spokesman Darren Skelton said firefighters were working in difficult to access terrain.
Pockets of homes and large swathes of pine plantations were causing the most concern, he said.
"The potentials are there," he said.
"These residents, if they've decided to stay and defend their properties, will be out there most of the evening protecting their homes from possible ember attack and spot overs, absolutely. So it will be a long and anxious night."
The area had been under threat all day, but the situation escalated as spot fires ran ahead of the main blaze early Monday evening, threatening the Dederang, Gundowring, Gundowring Upper, Glen Creek, Kergunyah South, Mudgeegonga and Running Creek communities.
