Advice issued by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.on Saturday evening said smoke from the blaze would continue to increase as firefighters completed back-burning works within the containment line.

The fire is located four kilometres south east of Boweya, with the advice message directed to people in Wangandary, Boweya and Mount Bruno. 

Smoke is visible from nearby communities including Wangaratta, Peechelba, Springhurst, Rutherglen and Chiltern, 

“There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions,” the department said.

EARLIER: Firefighters are still working in steep, rocky terrain to bring a 380-hectare fire in the Warby-Ovens National Park, near Wangaratta, under control.

Although expected to increase in size on Saturday, the fire is not posing a threat to communities at this stage.

It was first reported about 2.20pm Friday on private property, with the cause still being investigated.

Crews assisted by fire-bombing aircraft and heavy machinery worked through the night to limit the fire’s spread and consolidate containment lines.

Incident controller Neale Cleeland said firefighters from Forest Fire Management Victoria and the Country Fire Authority on Saturday would focus on completing a containment line around the fire.

“With the assistance of two medium water-bombing helicopters and machinery, ground crews are currently working hard to keep the fire within containment lines,” he said.

“We will be undertaking back-burning operations today and possibly into the evening to reduce the spread of the fire into other areas of the park.

“Residents in the Wangaratta, Glenrowan and surrounding areas will notice an increase in smoke from these works.

Mr Cleeland said some internal tracks and roads within the Warby-Ovens National Park were closed to the public and he advised people to stay away from the area.

“While the fire is not currently posing a threat to the community, it is important that residents continue to monitor weather conditions and advice messages,” he said.