Firefighters were called to a Frederick Street address about 3.50pm, where they found a grass fire burning along the front fence and spreading through the garden towards a house.

Two units from Bendigo responded.

Bendigo Senior Station Officer John Lane said a passerby noticed some children in the vicinity of the property about the time the fire started.

He believed the property to be unoccupied.

The fire, which was extinguished within a few minutes, is believed to be suspicious.

Police were also in attendance.

Senior station officer Lane urged people to tidy their properties ahead of the fire danger period.

"Something like this can escalate fairly quickly," he said.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Bendigo Police Station on 5448 1300.