Firefighters battle large grass fire in Altona

7pm: The fire was brought under control at 6.15pm.

A total of 23 hectares of grasslands was burnt.

Four firefighting aircraft were deployed to assist ground crews.

Crews will remain on scene over the next few hours to fully extinguish the fire.

The fire has been deemed suspicious and will be investigated by Victoria Police and FRV's Fire Investigators.

5.15pm: FRV and CFA firefighters are responding to a large grass fire in Altona.

Callers to Triple Zero (000) reported the fire at Laverton Grasslands, Purnell Street, which was spreading.

Firefighters arrived on scene at 3.49pm finding various areas alight over a 2km radius and spreading quickly.

The fire is threatening nearby houses, located about 30-50 metres from the blaze.

A Watch and Act message has been issued for residents of Altona and Altona Meadows.

The grassfire is travelling from Laverton Grasslands in a northerly direction towards Kororoit Creek Road.

If you live directly next to the grasslands, quickly walk two or more streets away from the fire. Grassfires are unlikely to spread past the first row of houses.

If you live more than two streets back from the grasslands, stay where you are and follow all directions from emergency services.

Keep all windows and doors closed and place towels or blankets around windowsills and door gaps. Do not use your air conditioner.

The fires are also close to a nearby train line and Westona Train Station, with train services on the Werribee Line halted as a result of the blaze.

Firefighters are making progress attacking the fire, with one seat of the fire knocked over, but others still burning.

Firefighting aircraft has been deployed to attack the blaze.

The fire is not yet under control.