Crews from Werribee were alerted to the fire at the Wests Road site about 5pm, although captain Michael Wells believes it began a considerable time before it was reported to the CFA.

Mr Wells said the fire was being fanned by a south-westerly wind and firefighters were concerned it would spread to nearby grasslands.

There were also fears the section of the tip on fire would collapse or items in the landfill might explode.

Eighteen CFA and MFB vehicles and council water tankers were rushed to the site because of water supply problems at the tip.

Landfill operators used heavy machinery to help fire crews access a nearby dam.