Out-of-control bushfires in Victoria’s west are now estimated to have reached “the size of Singapore” as more residents are urged to evacuate.

Communities in Bellellen, Pomonal, and Black Range were told on Friday morning to leave the area immediately.

Those in Barton, Jimmy Creek, Kia Ora, Londonderry, Mafeking, Moyston, Watgania, and Willaura North have been warned it it too late to evacuate and that they must urgently take shelter.

Authorities are advising residents in these areas to protect themselves and their families by wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers, bringing pets inside, and sheltering in a room with two exits after ensuring all doors, windows or vents, and cooling systems are closed and shut off.

A warning from VicEmergency issued on Friday morning read: “The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you.”

The ABC reported on Friday morning that representatives of the State Control Centre now estimated the blaze – which has grown from 6000 hectares to 74,000 within a week – was “somewhere around the size of Singapore”.

Hundreds of homes in Moyston, Willaura and Pomonal have lost power after the fire devastated crucial components of the region’s network.

Some telephone communications have also been disrupted or cut off after the Mt Williams communications tower was destroyed on Boxing Day. 

It comes after more than 600 firefighters – including roughly 100 backup personnel from interstate – sacrificed their Christmas to protect homes in the region.

More to come.