Smoke chokes Melbourne as grass fire burns close to homes
A grassfire emergency in Melbourne is adding to the smoke haze which is choking the city.
The flames came close to homes in Altona in the city's south west.
The fire is burning out of control in swampland near Purnell Street.
READ MORE: Fresh evidence application ahead of Lehrmann judgment
A grassfire emergency in Melbourne is adding to the smoke haze which is choking the city. Nine
It's heading towards a train line, with services replaced by buses.
The fire started at 4.25pm, with helicopters dropping water.
The city was blanketed by smoke for Easter Sunday, with controlled burns also impacting the air.
READ MORE: Two rescued from NSW caves after ten-hour ordeal
A grassfire emergency in Melbourne is affecting some trains. Nine
In some places the air quality is classed as "poor".
Locals are being warned to stay inside and close windows.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
Australian woman who died after falling from cliff near Bali was Queensland ecologist
PM ‘stunned’ over Pauline Hanson’s attack on his late mother
Six years ago, Australia had a $38 billion early super experiment. It didn’t go to plan
Tony Abbott’s ex-chief of staff says she wanted Julia Gillard to succeed
