The true scale of destruction left by fires blazing across rural southwest Victoria is yet to be determined, but several homes and thousands of livestock are already lost.
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Four significant fires continued to burn late on Monday, with alerts in place for Gazette, Gavroc, Terang and Camperdown, after more than two days of keeping crews busy.
The Country Fire Authority says 15,000 hectares of land have been burnt, reducing initial estimates of 40,000 ha of devastation.
The fires have claimed up to 18 homes and 42 dairy and machinery sheds as well as hundreds of livestock, with the death count expected to run into the thousands across the farming communities.
The out-of-control fires lashing the region haunt the memories of those who survived one of Victoria's fatal blazes - Ash Wednesday - with Terang's Chris O'Connor still remembering the 1983 event.
"Fortunately there were no lives lost. That's the silver lining," Mr O'Connor told AAP of the latest fires.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the number of homes destroyed could increase as authorities tally the damage.
"The losses could have been much more significant and, ultimately, there are no funerals to go to. That is the most important thing when it comes to a fire like this," he said from Cobden.
"There is a bit of good luck in that, but it is good management as well."
He said his heart went out to people who lost not only their homes and livelihoods but herds as well.
"I want these communities to know that the government will stand with them. All of our agencies, all service providers will be here for the long haul to get over this significant fire event," Mr Andrews said.
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said crews took advantage of milder conditions on Monday to battle significant hotspots in the fires.
Mr Lapsley said the focus was on the welfare of the communities as schools and roads opened and power was restored.
About 1200 properties in the fire-affected areas have lost power, and for some, it will be days before it's restored, and specialist teams are assessing the loss.
No one had been reported missing or injured, a CFA spokeswoman said.
Corangamite Shire Mayor Jo Beard said residents and farmers were trying to be brave as they waited to hear the extent of damage.
"It's been devastating, honestly, particularly on the farmers who have been through so much in the last couple of years," she told the Nine Network.
It's believed not all of the homes destroyed were being lived in when the fires hit.
Lightning strikes on Saturday are likely responsible for the blazes, and follow 45 days of no significant rain in Victoria.
Mr Andrews said police investigators were working to confirm what caused the fires.
The state government will provide immediate personal hardship payments, worth about $1900 per household, to use for food, clothing and shelter with assessment for further support.
Australian Associated Press
