The Eastern half of Australia is on high fire alert tonight.

Total fire bans are already in place, in Victoria and Tasmania.

In central Victoria, an out-of-control bushfire, fanned by gale-force winds, is threatening about 200 homes.

And residents have been urged to evacuate.

Alexandra Keep reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Australia’s fire chiefs are predicting a dangerous fire season ahead.

Blazes have broken out in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Temps are rising well over 30 degrees warmer than expected at this time of year.

This is how the bushfire threat looks into 2016 more bushfires than normal and more people at risk.

In Queensland alone, 60 fires were reported over the weekend authorities are still monitoring a dozen outbreaks.

In Victoria, fire has already razed one house.

And fire crews there are bracing for a south-westerly change, expected to bring strong and dangerous winds.

In South Australia, fires have already destroyed more than 600 hectares of bushland.

Port Lincoln’s national park has been closed.

Joe Tilley, South Australian Environment Department: “It’s really about making sure anyone who is in the area gets out safely or anyone who is thinking of the area decides that today is not the right day to go.”

It’s hoped cooler conditions predicted for later this week, will provide some relief.

In New South Wales at least 80 per cent of the state is under a very high fire danger warning and could be on alert for the rest of the week.

All residents are encouraged to check their local fire service websites for updates.

Alexandra Keep, QUT News.