Fire crews are warning people to avoid an area in Melbourne's west after a blaze in a large pile of rubbish sent smoke across the city.

The blaze broke out on Robbs Road in West Footscray about 1:00am

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) said the fire was under control just over an hour later.

Residents as far away as St Kilda reported smelling smoke.

While there was no threat to the community, there was a lot of smoke in the area, the MFB said.

People have been advised to avoid the area if possible.

The cause of the fire was being investigated.