Police charge man with starting Melbourne fire

Police have charged a man with lighting a fire in Fawkner, in Melbourne's north, that burnt out of control.

The 40-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday night and charged with lighting the fire on vacant land between Lorne Street and Merri Creek about 1.30pm on Sunday.

He has been charged with arson, setting wildfire, intentionally engaging in conduct endangering property and recklessly engaging in conduct endangering property.

The man will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Thousands of firefighters remain battling 18 blazes burning across the state.