Morwell resident Haylee Riess has a six-year-old son and is expecting her next child, another son, in four months.

Her windows and doors have been closed since the fire started but the familiar chemical-burn odour that is covering the streets can still be smelt inside.

This is the challenge facing firefighters battling the Hazelwood coal mine blaze and increasingly frightened residents of Morwell. Photograph by Keith Pakenham

She has received $500 to assist with temporary relocation, which is being offered to residents who meet certain criteria.

But the fire is expected to continue for another fortnight and the money would only cover a couple of days' accommodation out of town. ''I'd be happy to put a tent up on the side of the road just for fresh air, just to breathe fresh air,'' she said.