Dereel fire in Victoria's west downgraded THE blaze that ravaged the community of Dereel in Victoria's west has been downgraded by fire authorities to a slow moving bushfire with a watch and act advice. The CFA says the 1300 hectare fire has been contained but it is feared at least 12 properties - a mixture of homes and sheds - have been destroyed. Firefighters and heavy machinery in the area are continue to work on the fire. Four firefighters were injured after their firetruck slammed into a tree in thick smoke and were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation and burns, but all were in a stable condition. A State Control Centre spokeswoman told AAP there have been reports of 12 properties affected by the blaze but were unable to confirm it while the fire was raging. "We haven't been able to get in and assess the damage, so if they are homes or sheds, we just don't know yet," she said. CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said the injured firefighters should be commended for their actions and quick thinking under such difficult circumstances. "The firefighters enacted full crew protection and took shelter in their vehicle following correct procedures as per their training," Mr Ferguson said. In Victoria's east a fast-moving, out-of-control fire is threatening the communities of Allambee South and Allambee East. The fire is burning across 320 hectares and creating spot fires one to two kilometres ahead of the front. The CFA says expected wind change had reached the fire area and was causing erratic and unpredictable fire behaviour.