Unverified vision of the fire in Hepburn last night:

Another local said he could see planes and helicopters battling the fire from the air.

“I’m sitting on a hill watching the helicopters fight the fire … Any one time I can see up to four. It’s quite a few appliances out there fighting that,” he said.

"In the past couple of minutes or so the smoke has doubled ... They are like bees around a honey pot."

Locals have been calling into ABC radio, the emergency broadcaster in the area, to report what they have seen.

Matilda Boseley reports: Several callers spoke about watching the flames light up the area from a street party in Hepburn Springs last night.

“The entire gully was aglow. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it,” said Sandy, who did not give a last name.

High winds, extreme heat and lightning expected today have seen a total fire ban declared ahead of what has been described as a "really concerning day" for Victoria.

With emergency services already fighting fires across the state, authorities have warned they may not be able to keep up if major blazes break out today.

The emergency warning was issued just before 10am. VicEmergency warned the townships could be impacted any time within the next two hours.

The bushfire is travelling in a southerly direction towards Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. Residents have been told to use Main Road to drive towards Dayelesford. A relief centre has been established at Victoria Park, Burrall Street, off the Bullan-Daylesford Road, until further notice.

Residents of Hepburn and north Hepburn Springs have been told to evacuate immediately as an out-of-control scrub fire burns in central Victoria.

Residents have been told to take their pets, mobiles phones and medications, leaving their area via the main road towards Daylesford.

Emergency services have warned they may not be able to help those who choose to stay.