Aerial crew members are fighting a Friday afternoon forest fire in steep country near Nicholls Lookout, 3 kms SSE of Marysville on the Woods Point Rd on the way to Lake Mountain.

Forest Fire Management personnel, supported by at least 14 CFA vehicles, are on scene, reports Peter Rice of Radio UGFM. Some smoke is visible.

The road is closed to visitors. Local people will continue to have access to their properties.

Emergency Victoria expects a further update at 7pm.