A grassfire north of Melbourne, Australia, has been rapidly spreading as emergency services race to get it under control. 

According to Sky News, the fire was first reported on Tuesday afternoon and had since grown to more than 717ha in size as of 7:30am on Wednesday. Country Fire Authority (CFA) said fire was fast-moving after breaking out on Spring Vale Road in Flowerdale and is not yet under control.

Firefighters are now taking advantage of the weather conditions to undertake back burning activities on the southeast side of the fire. As a result, there will be increased smoke. Smoke may be visible in your community for the next few days.

Anyone in those areas are urged to remain near shelter, monitor the situation and be ready to act. CFA said that residents in the area should monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicates the situation is changing. 

It also advised anyone with pre-existing lung or heart conditions to rest as much as possible and keep away from the smoke. minimise smoke exposure by reducing your level of exercise during smoky conditions.

If practical, it added that people should stay indoors and keep windows closed until the smoke passes.

If the situation changes CFA said residents will need to leave quickly. The Authority said people should plan to: take pets, medications, mobile phone and charger, travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area. It added that emergency services may not be able to help you if they decide to stay.

The fire is travelling in a northerly direction from Spring Valley Road, Flowerdale, and has now crossed Carver Creek, moving towards Yea Spur Road.

More than 50 CFA units have responded to the incident since it was first reported on Tuesday, with Forest Fire Management crew also on the job. There are no confirmed loss of homes at this stage however the extent of the damage is not yet known.