Residents in a number of towns north-west of Geelong are hoping to return to their homes today after a fast-moving grass fire forced them to evacuate during the night.
The blaze broke out on Kleins Rd, Dereel, at around 6.30pm on Wednesday, triggering an emergency warning that urged locals to leave immediately.
Within 20 minutes the alert was extended to nearby Corindhap. Half an hour later Mount Mercer was placed under Watch and Act.
Mount Mercer is 61km north-west of Geelong and less than 30km from Meredith.
Evacuees were advised to seek shelter with friends and family away from the danger zone, or at relief centres that had been at Bannockburn and Wendouree.
This morning the fire is under control but still subject to a Watch and Act, however Mount Mercer is no longer under threat.
Meantime a large bushfire continues to rage out of control north-west of Ballarat.
The Bayindeen fire remains at Watch and Act despite light rain falling overnight, with residents told it is still too dangerous to return to their homes.
