An out-of-control burn-off at Mailors Flat has prompted fire officials to remind residents to practice fire safety.

Warrnambool CFA operations officer Paul Marshall said people needed to be aware of how quickly fires could escape. 

"We are seeing people who want to burn-off because the rains have stopped, but they need to be aware and careful," he said. 

"Fires can escape very quickly and easily. We had a burn-off escape at Mailors Flat on Thursday and we don't want to see people lose property as a result of that." 

Mr Marshall said it was important to consider the weather and the surroundings prior to burning off. 

"There are a lot of apps with weather information that will show you the fire danger index, the wind speed and the temperatures of the day," he said. 

"That will give you a good indication of the likelihood of fire escaping. 

"If you're going to do a burn-off make sure the surroundings are clear and make a fire break so that there isn't an opportunity for it to escape. 

"It's also about making sure you've got some equipment there such as a private fire tanker so that is something does happen, you can maintain some control over it." 

Burn-offs can be registered by calling Vic Fire on 1800 668 511 or notifying emergency services online.  

Update: Friday 10.30am 

A fear of large trees falling led to the closure of a Mailors Flat road on Thursday.

The trees caught fire on a private property on the corner of Sims Road and Ibbs Lane just after 1pm. 

Winslow/ Yarpturk CFA captain Colin McKane responded to the fire which he said was fuelled by a strong westerly wind.

Mr McKane said the land owners were conducting a routine burn off when the wind picked up.

"There was a fire lit too close to trees and with that strong westerly wind it pushed it into three or four cypress trees which burnt up through the trunks and had a hazard of falling onto the road,” Mr McKane said. 

He said the green vegetation helped prevent the fire from spreading and it was contained shortly after. The trees were removed and the road re-opened about 7pm.

“The road was closed for public safety and the land owners organised an excavator to come and push the trees over.”

"If it wasn't for those strong westerly winds there wouldn't have been an issue,” Mr McKane said. 

“It was the hazard of the trees falling on the road that we were concerned about.” 

Mr McKane said the Grassmere CFA brigade also responded.

EARLIER: Thursday, 2pm 

CFA crews are responding to an out-of-control fire at Mailors Flat. 

Three vehicles were called to the corner of Sims Road and Ibbs Lane about 1.30pm. 

A CFA spokesman said the fire had spread to nearby plants, believed to be cypress trees. 

Sims Road has been closed and police are diverting traffic. 

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