Dry lightning strikes across Gippsland over the past five days have played a role in sparking and reigniting 21 bushfires, including two threatening East Gippsland communities near Dargo, Buchan and Omeo.

The Hibernia Black Snake fire, 7km north west of Dargo, has been issued with a Watch and Act alert for nearby residents with firefighters undertaking asset protection works in Dargo.

As of yesterday morning, the impact zone of the fire was at 484 hectares with more than 25 vehicles responding.

Numerous roads and areas have been closed (see VicEmergency website for details).

A bushfire west of Omeo and south of Hotham Heights was burning in steep and inaccessible land, growing in size rapidly. Firefighting aircraft had been dispatched and while the fire was no threat to communities early yesterday, residents in nearby locations were urged to be vigilant as conditions could change quickly.

The Timbarra fire, which last weekend was contained, remains within control lines however hot, windy weather over the weekend meant residents in the Buchan, Butchers Ridge, Gelantipy, Gillingall, Murrindal, Sunny Point and W-Tree areas remained on alert.