UPDATE 6.45PM:
Ballarat fire brigades are investigating a third grassfire after crews were called to a minor fire at Cherry Flat Road Delacombe on Christmas Eve.
Ballarat City Fire Brigade are unable to say yet whether the fire, which burned only 10 square metres, was deliberately lit.
Station manager Tony Hope said an earlier fire at Reid Court, Brown Hill was most likely suspicious.
Mr Hope said there was a high potential for loss of life and property as the hot weather set in.
Meanwhile in Melbourne’s outer north-west an out of control grass fire has prompted a “Watch and Act” alert.
EARLIER:
Ballarat fire brigades were called out to three fires on Friday night, all of which appeared to be deliberately lit.
Ballarat City Fire Brigade and Sebastopol Fire Brigade attended a grassfire at Phoenix P-12 Community College about 6.15pm.
A fire brigade spokesman said the fire, which was suspicious, was close to one of the school buildings but did not spread to cause any structural damage.
Ballarat Fire Brigade and Ballarat City Fire Brigade attended a second suspicious grassfire at Reid Court in Brown Hall about 11.30pm.
Both fires were brought under control and no injuries were sustained.
Fire brigades also attended a car fire at Invermay Park close to the Western Freeway about 7.30pm.
Ballarat City Fire Brigade is urging residents to stay safe and be aware of the weather conditions over the Christmas period.
