"The occupant told us that the son had a burn off a couple days before and had covered over with dirt," he said.

"As a result, a bit of wind got it across the paddock."

Mr Hembrow said the burn-off had been put at as best it could be but that it served as a warning for people to watch their burn offs.

"Given the time of the year, when everything is drying out, we really want to fdrive home the message that people have to be careful," he said.

UPDATE: Fire crews have cleared the scene after controlled a grass fire that also burnt 20 cars.

A CFA spokesperson said the cause of the fire was still being determined.

Ten trucks from Bendigo, Maiden Gully, Kangaroo Flat, Lockwood, Woodstock West, Marong and Maldon helped control the fire.

It was controlled at 3.45pm before being stopped and declared at 4.30pm.

EARLIER: The Country Fire Authority says about 20 cars are on fire at a property south-west of Bendigo.

Crews were called to Bareena Lane at Lockwood just after 3pm.

Eight fire units have been sent to the scene.

The fire was declared under control at 3.45pm.

More to come.

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