The grassfire in Strathallan, south of Echuca, was burning in a southeasterly direction towards Rochester, but firefighters stopped its spread after a shift in wind changed its direction.

The fire alert has been downgraded, but emergency services encouraged residents to stay informed and monitor conditions.

"Staying close to a building you can shelter in is the safest option as conditions can change suddenly," Country Fire Authority recommended.

"If you are away from home, do not return."

Six families in the area have been relocated.

Emergency authorities said police are investigating the cause of the blaze as firefighters battled more than 60 fires around the state, many of them caused by lightning.

Cooler conditions heading into the evening are expected to help contain all bushfires still being patrolled by firefighters. However, Emergency Victoria encouraged people to stay alert.

A fire near Ballarat that was at emergency level was also downgraded to a "watch and act" warning.

The fire was heading towards Dunac, but water-bombing from helicopters and aircraft helped contain it.

"It was horrific almost, there was branches coming down all over the place, the wind was blowing, it was hot," farmer Tom Davies told AAP from Dunac.

"For a fire day you wouldn't have got much worse."

Mr Davies has lived and worked in the Dunac area all his life, but can't remember another day like this ever happening so early in the summer.

"No, I don't think so. For a serious fire like we've just had, I think this would be about the earliest I've seen it," he said.

"Generally you don't get a day like we've just had until after Christmas."

Australian Associated Press