Illegal New Year's Eve fireworks sparked 41 grass fires in Victoria

Authorities have slammed New Year's Eve revellers who set off fireworks illegally and sparked a suspected 41 grassfires across Victoria.

Video filmed in one Victorian street showed children screaming as the unpredictable fireworks went wrong.

The forbidden fireworks frenzy sparked a string of grass and scrub on a total fire ban day, weeks after bushfires ravaged parts of the state.

Sunbury resident Laura Pascoe said she watched as fireworks started a blaze near her home about 9.30pm (AEDT) last night.

"We were told to evacuate, so that's how scary it got. We were told to leave our houses, so that's when I had to pull the kids out of bed and take them out on to the street," she said.

The most significant firework-initiated blaze burned near the Victorian Baseball Centre at Altona, with similar fires also happening in Melbourne's western and northern suburbs.

Two men were also taken to hospital with burns, after separate incidents.

Today, police heavily criticised the unauthorised use of fireworks.

"To call that behaviour irresponsible is on the light side – it's just downright stupid," Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said.

Firefighters told 9NEWS that the black market for fireworks is expanding, and urged parents to ensure their children were not involved in the risky behaviour.

"We want parents to actually monitor their children, hopefully they're not using them," Metropolitan Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Officer David Bruce said.

Pets were also affected by the pyrotechnics, with about 40 lost dogs found wandering the streets last night.

"They just panic so they run blindly. If they can get out of a yard, they'll get out of a yard," Alan Bolton from The Lost Dogs' Home said.

Police are investigating several of the fires, and have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.