Vic man accused of starting three fires

A man facing 17 charges for allegedly lighting fires on three total fire ban days, including Christmas Day, on Melbourne's outskirts is in hospital under police guard.

Stuart Dean Robson, 47, will face court on Tuesday accused of starting bushfires on Christmas Day and December 28 and 29, before his arrest on New Year's Eve.

Robson allegedly set fire to bark and dry grass in Sunbury on Christmas Day, which was a total fire ban day.

He has been charged with arson and reckless conduct that placed people at danger of serious injury over the December 25 blaze.

Sunbury residents were told to shelter indoors after an emergency warning was issued on Christmas Day as the out-of-control, fast-moving blaze ripped through the area.

Magistrate John Doherty on Tuesday heard Robson was in St Vincent's Hospital and would be remanded to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday.