FIRE alerts have been sent to 170 property owners as a large grass fire burns towards a town in Victoria's north.

Up to 11 fire crews are on scene battling the giant blaze just outside Metcalfe, south of Bendigo.

A CFA member manning a fire tower raised the alarm when the fire started on Sidonia and Keaths roads about 6.10pm.

All properties threatened by the 200ha fire have been sent an emergency alert text message and authorities are calling for residents to be prepared for a possible threat.

The blaze ignited as firefighters were battling another large fire in the rural town of Wedderburn, about 215km north of Melbourne, which began about 4.30pm.

The fire had already burned across 10ha on the Wedderburn-Boort Rd by late afternoon.

Almost 40 firefighters were at the scene. But it is not under control.

A CFA spokeswoman said there would be a high fire risk throughout the summer and families had to be prepared.

"There was a high fire danger around most of the state today and two were very high,'' she said. "It is about being prepared and taking it seriously. People need a fire plan in place.''

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