A SMALL bushfire has broken out near Eskdale following lightning in the area last night. 

The 2ha blaze, 12km southeast of Eskdale, was started by lightning in the early hours of the morning and was monitored by CFA crews overnight. 

A water bombing helicopter has been called in from Ovens, three bulldozers are on their way to the area and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries is sending 24 crews in by foot to set up a containment line. 

Incident controller Scott Thomson, from Parks Victoria, said the fire was in difficult terrain but was under control at this stage. 

"We're conscious that there is a total fire ban today so we need to be aggressive and hit this fire early on," he said. 

"We've got 24 personnel walking in by foot with rakehoes and given the fire is this small and quiet, the plan is to put in a rakehoe trail as a containment line."

Mr Thomson said the Avondale air base had also been notified in case water bombers with fire retardant were needed later today. 

"We've also got the Avondale air base set up, from which fire bombers can operate with water bombing or fire retardent if we need

A CFA communications officer said there was currently no threat to communities. 

"People might see smoke, helicopters and movement from machinery like bulldozers on the road but there is no reason to be alarmed at this point," she said. 

"People should stay informed and monitor the situation through our web and phone services."

For more information, visit: 

www.cfa.vic.gov.au

www.emergency.vic.gov.au

or call the VIC bushfire info line on 1800 240 667