Central Gippsland communities have been told to monitor conditions as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire at Seacombe, about 42 kilometres east of Sale.

The CFA issued a Watch and Act warning on Sunday afternoon, “strongly” recommending residents in Golden Beach, Paradise Beach and Seacombe prepare to leave after a fire broke out on the Longford-Loch Sport Road.

By 6:30pm the CFA said the threat had reduced but advised people not to travel into the area.

It told residents of the communities, and Dutson Downs, to “monitor conditions”.

Residents of Loch Sport are also being warned not to travel south along Longford-Loch Sport Road.

A firefighter stands amid a haze of smoke as the sun shines through.

A CFA firefighter near an out-of-control bushfire at Seacombe. (Supplied: Candice Dockett)

Fire cause unknown

A CFA spokesperson said crews responded to reports of smoke about 1:20pm on the Longford-Loch Sport Road in Seacombe.

The fire, located south-west of the coastal town of Loch Sport, is burning in a south-easterly direction towards Paradise Beach.

By 6pm Sunday, 27 CFA vehicles were on scene fighting the blaze, while air attack support had also been requested.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

A column of smoke rises from the horizon of a green paddock.

Firefighters were called out to a blaze on the Longford-Loch Sport Road on Sunday afternoon. (Supplied: CFA)

Longford-Loch Sport Road closed 

Authorities say they have closed the Longford-Loch Sport Road at the Seacombe turn-off so that people cannot enter the area, but they are still free to leave.

They are encouraging people to monitor the situation, including increases to wind speed or a change in wind direction, and to note that smoke or poor visibility can mean the situation is worsening.

Smoke rises from the horizon in the distance over a forest of trees.

A column of smoke rises on the horizon after the fire broke out. (Supplied: Gerard Walsh)

A CFA spokesperson earlier advised people in the affected communities to leave as soon as they were ready, “as roads will become busy”.

“Those affected can travel to Yarram or Sale, or friends or family away from the fire,” they said.

People are still being encouraged to leave the area if the situation changes or they feel unsafe.

The CFA warns people have died trying to leave at the last minute and advises those who leave to take pets, medications, mobile phone and chargers.

The CFA said further updates would be provided.