A LARGE fire near Castlemaine came scarily close to properties on Tuesday.

An emergency warning was issued for Yapeen, Strathloddon and Guildford following an out-of-control fire at Midland Highway in Yapeen.

More than 100 hectares of grassland was burnt with 38 vehicles and multiple air-units attending to the fire.

A State Control spokeswoman said it is uncertain at this stage what caused the fire.

The scrub fire was reported to authorities at 4.04pm on Tuesday afternoon and was soon upgraded to out-of-control travelling in an easterly direction of Yapeen.

The fire jumped Donkey Gully Road with residents near Vaughan Spring Road and Mopoke Road under threat.

Powerlines were also reported down over the Midland Highway with all traffic diverted from the area.

It took firefighters more than three hours to bring the fire under control with units to remain on scene overnight to ensure it does not re-ignite.

An advice message was issued by Country Fire Authority at 7.48pm that noted smoke may still be visible form nearby communities and roads.

Another emergency warning was issued for Pastoria, Pastoria East, Sidonia, Benloch with 57 units and air crafts working on an out of control grass fire in Pastoria East.

"It's going to be an exhausting night for members across Victoria," the State Control spokeswoman said.

EARLIER 6PM

FIRE-FIGHTERS have brought the fire at Yapeen under control.

Roads that still remain closed in the area include Vaughan Springs Road/ Donkey Gully Road, Campbells Creek-Fryers Road between Spring Gully Road and Vaughan-Chewton Road and Burgoyne/Greville/Vaughan -Tarita Road.

Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.

5.30PM

A FIRE is currently burning out of control near Castlemaine.

An emergency warning has been issued by the Country Fire Authority for Yapeen, Strathloddon and Guildford.

17 units are currently on scene with another 28 units and three air support en route to the fire just off Midland Highway at Yapeen.

Powerlines have also been reported down over Midland Highway with the fire currently 100 hectares in size.

The large scrub fire which was reported to fire authorities at 4pm Tuesday afternoon is currently travelling in an easterly direction of Yapeen.

The fire jumped Donkey Gully Road with residents near Vaughan Spring Road and Mopoke Road under threat.

All motorists are encouraged to avoid the area