RESIDENTS in three streets threatened by a grassfire in Melbourne's north were told to evacuate at the height of the fire this evening.

It took two hours for crews from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and the Country Fire Authority to get the 40ha blaze under control.

Twelve fire trucks were at the fire which threatened homes in Eden Place, Piccadilly Court and Trafalgar Place, Westmeadows at around 6.30pm (AEST).

An MFB spokesman said the back fences of several houses were destroyed by the fire.

A 15ha grassfire at Flowerdale, which was ravaged by the Black Saturday fires three years ago, was also brought under control.