Insurance companies are monitoring the impact of dozens of bushfires that swept across Victoria at the weekend, according to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

About 6000 firefighters tackled the worst conditions the state has faced since Black Saturday in February 2009.

An ICA spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au a catastrophe has not been declared but the council is working with the Country Fire Authority and other government agencies.

The council’s disaster hotline – 1800 734 621 – is operational.

At least 20 homes have been reported destroyed by the fires, which threatened Melbourne’s fringes in Warrandyte, Craigieburn and Gisborne.

A fire at Maiden Gully in Bendigo had the potential to be as devastating as those of February 2009, but was “pulled up” quickly.

Meanwhile, ICA and its members continue to monitor a potential cyclone developing in WA.

“Insurers have received very few claims from policyholders affected by ex-cyclones Dylan, Edna and Fletcher,” the spokesman said.