Tweet Facebook Mail Parts of Victoria are preparing to evacuate from the threat of bushfires burning in the states as it swelters through 31-degree heat. The Big Hill, Eastern View, Memorial Arch and Moggs Creek areas have been issued with Watch and Act warnings, urging residents to prepare to evacuate as two bushfires burn in the south of the state. The Kennet Hill fire that was burning out of control has been reduced, with locals now able to return to the area.  READ MORE: Sydney set to swelter again as heatwave lingers Over 20 fires are burning across Victoria. (Nine) There are stay-informed advice warnings for grass fires in the Berrybank and Northwood areas, as well as Lorne and Wonnangatta for bushfires.

Over 20 fires are currently burning across the state, however, most are under control. The fires come as the east coast is being hit by an intense heatwave this weekend with temperatures to remain above 30 in New South Wales and South-East Queensland . There are 37 fires burning across NSW, but no evacuation warnings have yet been issued. READ MORE: Junior doctors to sue health services over unpaid overtime  VIC Emergency is warning residents in the Eastern View regions to evacuate before it's too late. (VIC emergency) The previously out-of-control Curraweela fire is now contained.

It burnt 3408 hectares before it was controlled but the Rural Fire Service (RFS). Queensland has no evacuation warnings, while nine shrub and vegetation fires burn across the state. In Victoria, temperatures peaked at 37.5 degrees in Mildura, with top wind speeds of 94 kilometres per hour at Mt Gellibrand. Melbourne Airport recorded top wind speeds of 83 kilometres per hour.

Severe wind warnings for the state have now been cancelled.  READ MORE: ICC issue arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin Victoria is excepted to have its hottest day since 2007 as extreme fire danger warnings are issued. (The Age) Two-thirds of the state is under a total fire ban due to the hot, dry and windy conditions. In the other eastern states, Sydney reached 30 degrees, while Brisbane peaked slightly warmer at 33 degrees. If Sydney reaches a peak of 30 degrees or higher on Sunday, it will have sustained four consecutive days above the mark for the first time in autumn since records began 165 years ago.

READ MORE: Prince Harry sues tabloid for defamation over security story If Sydney stays above 30 degrees across the weekend it will have sustained four consecutive days above 30 degrees for the first time in autumn since records began 165 years ago. (Bureau of Meteorology) The source of the heat is two separate tongues of hot air that are sweeping east across Australia's south-east, raising temperatures and keeping the traditional sea breezes at bay. Record heat in NSW sparks bushfires View Gallery Victorian information about conditions and emergency warnings can be found at emergency.vic.gov.

au For the latest NSW information visit the RFS website here . Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.