Firefighters tackle grass fire at Hillside

Several properties have been threatened in a grass fire emergency that erupted on Melbourne's hottest day since April.

Around 22 fire trucks were called to tackle the blaze, which quickly burnt through two-and-a-half hectares of land, at Hillside this afternoon.

Residents were alarmed by the sight of smoke and flames, just metres from homes on what has been the hottest day in Melbourne since April.

"I was so scared and helpless because of the wind that was coming towards homes," one resident told Seven News.

Firefighters from the MFB and CFA worked quickly to stop the fire from spreading.

It is not yet known what started the blaze but heat and wind played a role.