Bushfire evacuations in Victoria’s west as conditions prompt catastrophic danger warnings

Gellibrand, Dereel and Kadnook residents told to leave as total fire bans declared across parts of South Australia and Victoria

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Several communities in Victoria's west have been urged to evacuate as firefighters work to control a number of bushfires.

A short-lived heatwave has brought hot, dry and windy conditions to much of southern Australia, with total fire bans in place and some areas experiencing catastrophic fire danger.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email