We're again being warned of the upcoming fire danger period after a number of grassfires in the Geelong and Werribee region during yesterday's warm windy weather.

One broke out near Shell after a power disruption which also saw black smoke coming out of the refinery flare.

Geelong CFA boss GERRY VERDORAN says yesterday's outbreaks should serve as a warning:

Meantime Shell's apologising to residents living near its Corio refinery after a power disruption that sparked a small grass fire and caused a large smokey flare.

The company says there was never any danger but it acknowledges the large flare and its smoke plume caused some concerns for locals.

The grass fire was quickly put out by the CFA.

Picture: Peter Redmond