THE threat of a fire burning near Seymour north of Melbourne since yesterday has eased, the CFA says.

But emergency crews are keeping close watch on the wind and will call in earth-moving and aircraft support today.

The fire, at Whiteheads Creek, has so far burned through about 800ha of grassland and bush, including a gum tree plantation.

CFA incident controller Greg Murphy said despite the damage there were no structural losses after more than 200 firefighters managed to halt the fire at Kobyboyn Rd.

"The guys on the ground have done an awesome job," Mr Murphy said.

"It was a great effort. The threat has eased substantially."

A "Watch and Act" warning remains in place for the immediate area around Highlands Rd and Kobyboyn Rd, which is closed.

"Whilst we are confident of maintaining our control over this fire we still need people to be extremely vigilant and aware there is fire activity in the area and they need to be conscious of monitoring that situation," Mr Murphy said.

About 180 firefighters, three water bombing helicopters, a surveillance plane and earth-moving equipment will help manage the fire today.

It broke out just after 10pm yesterday and was rapidly push north thanks to a strong southerly wind.

Smoke is still visible along the Hume Freeway and Goulburn Valley Highway.

A fire at the nearby Puckapunyal Military Range is under control.

And in another blaze, firefighters were called to the Boathouse Cafe in Leggatt St, Daylesford just before 11pm yesterday.

About nine trucks and almost 50 firefighters battled the blaze.

Nobody was in the building at the time.

The fires came as police charged a 76-year-old man over a fire at Coongulla in the state's east yesterday afternoon.

The Coongulla man, who appeared before an out of sessions hearing, was remanded in custody to appear before Sale Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

He was charged with intentionally causing a bushfire and criminal damage by arson.

Read more on the Herald Sun.