Warrnambool police Acting Inspector Steve Thompson said only essential traffic was allowed in the fire area – between Allansford and Scotts Creek – with a large amount of emergency and heavy vehicles operating.

Five traffic management points have been set up to restrict access south of the highway.

The Cobden-Warrnambool Road remains closed from the intersection with the Great Ocean Road near Allansford.

The Cobden-Warrnambool Road is also closed at the intersection with the Port Campbell Road. 

Other roads that remain closed include the Cross Forest Road-Saddlers Road, Camperdown's Park Lane-Bowen Street and Ayresford Road-McConnells Road at Garvoc. 

Acting Inspector Thompson urged that any "essential" driver in the fire area to obey speed limits and be extremely cautious due to smoke and heavy vehicles in the area.

"There is still some fire activity and smoke. Only essential traffic should be in that area," he said.