An emergency warning has been issued for a bushfire near Ballarat as temperatures across the state continue to climb above 40 degrees on Friday's wild weather day.

Emergency Victoria issued the warning at 2.20pm on Friday for a fire at Smythesdale, about 20 kilometres south-west of Ballarat.

The first emergency warning of Friday's wild weather day has been issued near Ballarat. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

The out-of-control fire is travelling in a southerly direction and has crossed Browns Road, a major thoroughfare leading in and out of Smythesdale.

Residents in Ross Creek, Scarsdale and Smythesdale have been told to leave immediately.