Smoke chokes Melbourne as grass fire burns close to homes

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A grassfire emergency in Melbourne is adding to the smoke haze which is choking the city.

The flames came close to homes in Altona in the city's south west.

The fire is burning out of control in swampland near Purnell Street.

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A grassfire emergency in Melbourne is adding to the smoke haze which is choking the city.

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It's heading towards a train line, with services replaced by buses.

The fire started at 4.25pm, with helicopters dropping water.

The city was blanketed by smoke for Easter Sunday, with controlled burns also impacting the air.

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A grassfire emergency in Melbourne is adding to the smoke haze which is choking the city.

In some places the air quality is classed as "poor".

Locals are being warned to stay inside and close windows.