Bushfire threat far from over as reinforcements arrive

There were 12 active fires still burning across Victoria as of Monday morning after blazes destroyed homes, killed livestock, cut power and led to one death.

The threat has eased from the Longwood fire, with cooler temperatures and lighter winds aiding efforts to bring it under control.

However, three emergency warnings remain for blazes near Walwa, in the state's northeast, and near the Otways, in the southwest.

The danger had not passed, Premier Jacinta Allan said.

"Every day presents a risk with heat and wind conditions," she told ABC TV.

"In some parts of the state, the weather conditions have eased, but in the north, it will continue to be a hot day."

Ms Allan posted a video of herself returning to her home near Bendigo on Sunday after she was forced to flee the Harcourt fire. 

Smoke was still visible in the distance but her home remained standing.

"A lot of homes that have been lost, there's going to be a big rebuild ahead. It's heartbreaking," she said.

The smoke haze from Victoria's fires spread to inland NSW and parts of New Zealand.

The haze could linger around much of Victoria for days in low winds, weather bureau senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said .

Total fire bans have been declared for North Central and North East districts on Monday. Authorities expect gusty northwest winds and hot weather to return towards the end of the week.

The Northern Territory government overnight deployed a strike team of 22 firefighters, an incident management team of 11 members and a liaison officer to assist in battling Victoria's bushfires.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the NT would send every available resource to assist Victoria in its moment of need.

"We stand with Victoria as they battle one of the worst fire emergencies in recent history," she said.

Police confirmed on Sunday that human remains had been found near a fire-affected road at Gobur, a remote area east of Seymour. 

The remains are yet to be identified, but were discovered 100 metres from a car. 

The fire-affected patch was scorched when the roaring Longwood fire moved through on Friday. 

Paddocks were littered with the remains of animals and livestock that did not make it to safety.

Ruffy Country Fire Authority Captain George Noye told AAP half of the small town's residents had lost either their homes or a structure. 

The local primary school is also unrecognisable after being burned to the ground. 

The Longwood fire has burned at least 136,000 hectares since it started amid catastrophic conditions. 

More than 350,000 hectares have burned and more than 300 structures have been lost in the state after summer heatwaves spurred out-of-control bushfires.

Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward said about 100 of the 300 structures lost were homes.

A state of emergency has been declared for 18 local government areas.

Residents in communities most impacted by the bushfires can claim a one-off disaster recovery payment of $1000 for each adult and $400 per child as part of a $19.5 million package. 

A $10 million program to help distribute fodder to farmers in need will be rolled out as part of the package.

Australian Associated Press