Hazelwood coal mine fire under control

The Hazelwood mine fire, which has been burning for four weeks, is now under control, Victorian fire authorities have said.

(File: AAP)

But Craig Lapsley, the Fire Services Commissioner of Victoria, also said rain is still needed for the fire to go from controlled to safe.

The fire has been sending thick smoke over the town of Morwell since February 9 when a deliberately-lit blaze spotted into a worked-out section of the Hazelwood open-cut coal mine.

The government advised vulnerable residents to temporarily leave the area. Around 600 location grants and 1300 respite grants were given out.

The state's chief health officer, Rosemarie Lester, said it's not expected that residents will have long-term health problems from the heavy smoke.