Victoria bushfires: homes and sheds lost as blaze heads towards Elmhurst in state’s west

Thousands of residents from almost 30 communities near Ballarat told to leave now'

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Homes have been reported lost as reinforcements start arriving to bolster firefighters battling a large bushfire in western Victoria.

Thousands of residents from almost 30 communities near Ballarat have been told to leave now", with emergency warnings and watch-and-act alerts issued.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup