Bushfire Alert: Central Gippsland Communities Told to Prepare to Leave

A Watch and Act bushfire warning has been issued for communities in Central Gippsland, with residents advised to prepare to leave as an out-of-control bushfire continues to burn in the region.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has told residents of Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, Seacombe, and Dutson Downs to monitor conditions after the fire broke out on Sunday afternoon on Longford-Loch Sport Road, in a south-easterly direction towards Paradise Beach.

The CFA issued a Watch and Act warning on Sunday afternoon, "strongly" recommending residents in Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, and Seacombe prepare to leave. Dutson Downs was later added to the warning.

In its 8:30pm update, the CFA said the threat had reduced, but residents should "monitor conditions and be ready to act" because "the situation can change at any time".

People were also advised not to travel to the area, and that it was "not safe to return". Residents of Loch Sport were warned not to travel south along Longford-Loch Sport Road, while those west of the fire were told not to travel on that road toward Loch Sport, and instead to travel toward Yarram or Sale.

A CFA spokesperson said crews responded to reports of smoke about 1:20pm on the Longford-Loch Sport Road in Seacombe.

"Those affected can travel to Yarram or Sale, or friends or family away from the fire," they said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. By 8:30pm Sunday, 28 CFA vehicles were on scene fighting the blaze, while air attack support had also been requested.

As of 9:30pm, CFA crews were continuing to fight the blaze, and residents were advised to monitor warnings via the Vic Emergency site.