Residents in Melbourne's east urged to keep alert as out-of-control bushfire burns near homes

A bushfire is continuing to burn out-of-control, threatening homes in Melbourne's east.

Helicopter water bombers are assisting firefighters after a blaze broke out at Dr Ken Leversha Reserve early yesterday afternoon.

A bushfire emergency warning was issued just after 3am today for Kilsyth and Montrose, north of Glasgow Road and Sheffield Road to Canterbury Road, urging residents to take shelter now.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WARNINGS HERE: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

That advice has since been downgraded to Watch and Act as of 6.30am.

"Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time." the latest alert from VicEmegency reads.

"You must monitor conditions and be ready to act."

A relief centre has opened at Sheffield Road, Montrose and Pinks Reserve at Kilsyth for those impacted by the fire.

Earlier, The Country Fire Authority urged residents in Montrose and Kilsyth to prepare to leave as gusty winds blow flames in the direction of homes to its south and east.

There are homes within 50 to 100 metres of the fire in Montrose.

The bushfire ignited about 2pm yesterday and has since burned through more than eight hectares of land.

More than 40 firefighter trucks and three helicopters flocked to the scene, fighting to contain the blaze.

"Crews are basically putting the line around it and making sure that the properties on the southern and eastern side of the fire are safe," Country Fire Authority chief officer Alen Slijepcevic said.

The concern for firefighters is strong westerly winds forecast to arrive, which threaten to worsen the conditions.

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According to the Country Fire Authority, it is too early to determine how the fire started.

Temperatures reached the mid-30s in Melbourne yesterday as a band of heat moved over several southeast states.

Horsham hit 39 degrees.

A stormy change will hit Melbourne today as temperatures drop to 22 degrees, however, the fire danger risk remains high.

The entire state of Victoria was under a high fire danger warning today, with the warning to stay in place into tomorrow.

Temperatures in Melbourne are forecast to drop to 26 degrees tomorrow with a chance of rain.

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