4.50pm

Fire affected livestock owners are being encouraged to report any livestock injuries to Agriculture Victoria.

Staff have so far conducted more than 50 initial assessments at affected properties.

Agriculture Victoria Incident Agency Commander Brett Harrison said a mix of dairy, beef and sheep farms have been affected.

He said the true extent of the impacts would emerge in coming days as field staff were given access to fire grounds.

"We have been on the ground since Tuesday working to support farmers who are dealing with the impact of these fires on their livestock," Mr Harrison said.

"In many cases farmers are still waiting to get access to their properties, but it's important once they do they examine livestock quickly and report any injuries to Agriculture Victoria."

Landholders do not need to wait for Agriculture Victoria staff to visit to euthanise impacted livestock if they are confident they can do so humanely and safely.

Landholders should report any livestock injuries to Agriculture Victoria by dialling 1800 226 226 and selecting option "0" and then "4" to speak to an operator to arrange for animal health staff to visit and assess livestock.

Mr Harrison said the destruction of large areas of pasture by the fires means feeding their animals had become a challenge for many farmers.

He said the Victorian Farmers Federation was leading the drive to provide fodder to those affected.

Landholders who need emergency fodder and those who want to donate fodder should contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or email fodder@vff.org.au.

4.10pm

CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said the ability of crews to protect people's lives in the coming days in some areas would be "very, very limited".

"We're expecting temperatures in the 40s on Saturday and some very concerning high winds," he said in a press conference this afternoon.

"There are concerns particularly about that fire in Corryong in the north-east of the state merging with the East Gippsland fires and potentially forming a bit of a massive fire front there.

"There are also concerns about some new fires that are being sparked by dry lightning, particularly in the north-east of the state in the high country with authorities urging people perhaps camping around Mount Buffalo and Bright to or consider leaving the area before the weekend, with crews concerned that their ability to fight these fires will be very, very limited and they will have to focus on life protection."

3.30pm

Tallangatta and Towong shire residents have been told if they chose to stay and defend their property, they might be on their own.

Police and the deputy incident controller addressed concerned residents at a community meeting emphasising their role is to protect life.

Residents heard the big difference between the current situation and Black Saturday is this time residents have time to prepare, enact their bushfire plans and leave.

Police said they would be asking residents to evacuate parts of the shire.

"If you chose to stay we might not be able to come and support you," the deputy incident controller said.

Police said proactive patrols will be occurring over coming days and weeks to prevent thefts and looting.

Residents were told the sad reality was that some people do try to take advantage of the situation, but police would be trying to prevent this.

1.10pm Power is expected to be restored in Corryong by tonight.

Electricity provider AusNet Services confirmed in a Facebook post their crews have been "hard at work" wiring in emergency generators in the Upper Murray town.

"We are hoping, where it is safe to do so, to restore power to most of the township and surrounds this evening," the statement said.

More than 100 people were convoyed out of the town last night with some still taking refuge in the relief centre at the high school or at the hospital.

More convoys are expected later today.

The Green Valley Fire at Talmalmo is continuing to burn with the NSW RFS strengthening containment lines overnight.

"There was an increased level of fire activity on the Jingellic end of the fire last night," a NSW RFS spokesman said.

"The fire activity was all within the containment lines crews have established in the area.

"There is a large amount smoke in the area today and we will have aircraft assisting once the visibility allows.

"Rural landholders in the area may see aircraft activity over the fire area once conditions allow this afternoon.

"The NSW RFS and the NPWS have 32 appliance with 85 crew members working on the fire.

"Our focus is strengthening our containment lines today in preparation for the increased fire danger on Friday and Saturday this week."

Disaster assistance is now available to people who have been adversely affected or lost income as a direct result of the Victorian bushfires.

Those who live in the Towong local government area are eligible for The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of up to $1000.

The quickest and easiest way to make a claim is by calling 180 22 66.

Meanwhile Bunnings in both Albury and Wodonga are sold out of respiratory smoke masks with more expected next week.

EARLIER: Communities in the Upper Murray are being told to "leave now" before the hot, windy conditions on Friday and Saturday.

The Tallangatta Incident Control Centre has issued a warning to people still in Nariel Valley, Shelley, Lucyvale, Berringama, Koetong, Upper Towong, Bunroy, Biggara, Cudgewa North, Tintaldra, Walwa and Tom Groggin to leave today.

"Door knocks will be conducted today in these areas," the warning said.

"Given the expected bad weather for Friday and Saturday, for your safety we recommend you leave the area now. We recommend that you leave now before the weather changes.

"After today there will be limited opportunity to safely leave the area.

"There will be escorted convoys leaving from the Corryong Relief Centre, on the Murray Valley Highway towards Tallangatta at designated times, whilst conditions allow."

There is now 20 fires burning in the Upper Murray with spotting up to seven kilometres ahead of the main fire front.

MORE FIRE NEWS:

The bushfire is travelling in a south-easterly direction on a large front towards Tom Groggin Station.

"It is a dynamic fire situation," the warning said.

"A number of new fires have been identified within the Gibb Range, Mt Sassafras and Mt Pinnibar areas due to dry lightning, over the past 48 hours. There is the likelihood more fires will be identified throughout the coming days."

Emergency services have not yet confirmed the number of homes lost but said there is "significant property and stock losses".